The Indy Fuel hosted the Fort Wayne Komets on Friday night at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, but a strong start wasn’t enough to secure a victory as the Komets rallied for a 4-2 win. The sellout crowd witnessed an intense, penalty-filled contest that saw the Fuel outshoot the Komets but fall short in the end.
First Period
The Fuel took the lead early with a shorthanded goal by Darby Llewellyn at 5:23. It was Llewellyn’s second shorthanded tally of the season, assisted by Jordan Martin. Penalties dominated the period, with the Fuel and Komets exchanging power-play opportunities, but neither team converted with the extra man. At the end of the first, the Fuel led 1-0 and outshot the Komets 8-5.
Second Period
Indy extended their lead to 2-0 at 3:30 when Cam Hausinger netted his fourth goal in two games, assisted by Adam McCormick and Bennett Stockdale. Fort Wayne quickly responded, cutting the deficit to 2-1 on a goal by Alex Aleardi at 5:49, with former Fuel forward Anthony Petruzzelli earning an assist.
The Komets tied the game at 14:02 when Michael Gildon scored with help from Dugan and Rees. Despite several power-play opportunities for both teams, the score remained 2-2 entering the third period.
Third Period
Fort Wayne took the lead for good at 11:38 of the third period when Kyle Mayhew capitalized on a power-play chance following a high-sticking penalty by Indy’s Ethan Manderville. With time winding down, the Fuel pulled goaltender François Gaudreau for the extra attacker but were unable to find the equalizer. Jack Gorniak sealed the win for Fort Wayne with an empty-net goal at 19:26.
Key Moments
The Fuel had several opportunities to change the game’s momentum but went 0-for-5 on the power play. Fort Wayne’s penalty kill was pivotal, especially during a double-minor high-sticking penalty early in the third period.
Indy’s François Gaudreau stopped 18 of 21 shots, while Fort Wayne’s goaltending and defensive effort kept the Fuel at bay in critical moments.
Up Next
The Fuel will look to bounce back in their next matchup as they continue their season-long rivalry with the Komets. Fans can follow the action live or stay updated via the Fuel’s official social media channels.
