In a tightly contested divisional showdown, the Indy Fuel dropped a 3-2 decision to the Fort Wayne Komets in a four-round shootout Sunday evening at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Odeen Tufto delivered the game-winning shootout goal for the Komets, capping a physical and evenly matched game.
First Period
The scoring opened at 14:02 when Ty Farmer launched a long shot from the blue line, assisted by Kevin Lombardi, to give the Fuel a 1-0 lead. Fort Wayne responded just 50 seconds later, with Cameron Supryka finding the back of the net from the blue line to even the score. The teams combined for 21 shots in the frame, with the Komets holding a 12-9 edge.
Second Period
Physical play escalated in the second period, with Nathan Noel’s roughing penalty at 5:34 marking the first trip to the penalty box. The Fuel successfully killed off the minor, and Tufto, who left the game briefly following Noel’s hit, returned later in the period.
At 14:58, Fort Wayne’s Michael Gildon used his speed to capitalize on a dump-and-chase, scoring his second goal of the season to put the Komets ahead 2-1. Tempers flared as the period ended, with both teams exchanging roughing minors and Nathan Noel and Jack Dugan earning 10-minute misconducts for post-whistle altercations. The Komets maintained their one-goal lead as both teams recorded 13 shots in the period.
Third Period
Cam Hausinger continued his scoring streak against the Komets, tying the game 2-2 at 10:08 on a one-timer set up by a cross-ice pass from Nathan Burke. The physicality persisted, but no penalties were called until the final seconds, when Chris Cameron’s tripping penalty with 15 seconds left carried over into overtime.
Overtime
Both teams had four scoring opportunities in the extra period, but stellar goaltending from Indy’s Ben Gaudreau and Fort Wayne’s netminder kept the game deadlocked. Gaudreau, who made 41 saves on 44 shots, stood tall to force a shootout.
Shootout
The shootout remained scoreless through the first three rounds. After Nathan Burke was denied in the fourth round, Fort Wayne’s Odeen Tufto converted, securing the Komets’ 3-2 victory.
Key Performances
Gaudreau was impressive in the loss, stopping 41 shots and three more in the shootout. Hausinger provided a critical tying goal for the Fuel, while Farmer and Lombardi also contributed offensively. The Komets outshot the Fuel 44-34 and clinched the victory in front of their home crowd.
What’s Next
The Fuel return to action on New Year’s Eve, traveling to Cincinnati to face the Cyclones. Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m. ET as the Fuel aim to close out 2024 on a high note. Fans can follow updates and live coverage on the Fuel’s social media and broadcast platforms.
