Henderson Drops Fourth Straight, Falls to Coachella Valley 4-3 Despite Veteran Production, Special Teams Success

Backpedaling along the blue line, Dylan Coghlan tried to slide a routine pass across to Jaycob Megna. Instead, the puck rolled off his stick and drifted into danger.

Henderson Silver Knights goaltender Cameron Whitehead was forced to make an emergency stop, but the rebound spilled directly to Jagger Firkus, who buried the easy tap-in at the doorstep.

“They were ready to play,” head coach Ryan Craig said. “As the game went on, I think it was a matter of they got a little bit heavier, little bit harder in certain areas and we weren’t able to match them.

The play summed up the kind of night it was for the Silver Knights. Even with their veteran core generating chances and red-hot production from the power play, the Silver Knights fell to the Coachella Valley Firebirds 4-3 at Lee’s Family Forum on Friday night.

The loss continued a trend of veterans being counted on to drive play as Henderson searches for answers during its recent skid.

Veterans, Special Teams Unable to Lift Silver Knights Past Firebirds

Despite Coghlan’s turnover leading to Coachella Valley taking a 3-2 lead late in the second period, the veteran defenseman remained a driving force offensively. The 27-year-old scored twice, leading all blueliners on Henderson and now has five goals in his last three games.

“We got bodies in front,” Coghlan said. “It’s what happens you get screens and we’re able to place the puck, not just myself. We have a bunch of bunch of good shooters on his team.”

Fellow defenseman Jérémy Davies also played a key role from the backend, recording three assists. The performance pushed Davies to 201 career American Hockey League points, continuing to solidify his offensive impact from the blue line.

“It’s pretty cool,” Davies said. “It’s a great group of guys, really good coaching staff. Love my time here so far. Be nice to start getting some wins so we’re gonna focus on for tomorrow.”

Special teams provided one of Henderson’s bright spots. Entering the night converting at a 20% clip, the Silver Knights power play delivered, finishing 2-for-4 and generating sustained offensive zone pressure.

“Special teams have been pretty good all year,” Coghlan said. I think the five-on-five part has been good lately, so just trying to be positive and work through it.”

The penalty kill delivered, too, holding the Firebirds scoreless on three power-play opportunities.

“Special teams are a big part of the game, and I feel like you go through ups and downs and you get cold and you get hot throughout the season, but right now it’s been pretty good, so I’m pretty proud of that,” Davies said.

Despite the special team success and support from the blueline the Silver Knights couldn’t sneak past the Firebirds, losing 4-3. Henderson will look to snap its four-game losing streak Saturday when it faces the Firebirds again at 6 p.m. PT.