Fuel Shut Out Again, Fall 3-0 to Gladiators for Second Straight Day

LarryInFishers.com

Despite dominating the shot count, the Indy Fuel were shut out 3-0 by the Atlanta Gladiators on Sunday afternoon, capping off a challenging weekend for the team. The Fuel outshot the Gladiators 31-27 but couldn’t find the back of the net, as Atlanta’s defense and goaltending stood firm for the second straight game.

After a tight 1-0 loss to Atlanta the night before, both teams came out aggressive in the rematch. Indy earned an early power play when Atlanta’s Jackson Pierson was penalized for cross-checking at 10:54 of the first period, but the Fuel couldn’t capitalize, as Atlanta killed off the opportunity. Despite outshooting the Gladiators 14-5 in the opening period, Indy remained scoreless.

Atlanta opened the scoring early in the second period, with Pierson redeeming himself at 1:30, slotting home a goal with assists from Cody Sylvester and Easton Armstrong. The Fuel had another power play chance when Pierson was sent to the box for slashing at 5:00, but Indy’s power play woes continued, unable to convert on the advantage.

The second period saw the Gladiators outshoot the Fuel 16-9, though Indy maintained an overall shot advantage heading into the third period, leading 23-21.

In the final frame, both teams remained disciplined until Sylvester doubled Atlanta’s lead at 15:10, with Armstrong picking up his second assist of the game. Indy pulled goaltender Antoine Bibeau with 2:30 remaining for the extra attacker, but Atlanta’s Ryan Cranford sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:25.

The Gladiators held strong to take the 3-0 victory, sweeping the weekend series and dropping the Fuel to their second consecutive shutout loss.

Game Highlights:

  • Indy outshot Atlanta 31-27 but failed to score for the second straight game.
  • Jackson Pierson opened the scoring for Atlanta at 1:30 of the second period.
  • Cody Sylvester added an insurance goal in the third, and Ryan Cranford sealed the win with an empty-netter.
  • Antoine Bibeau made 24 saves in a valiant effort for the Fuel, but his teammates were unable to beat Atlanta’s defense.