The Indy Fuel battled through penalties and turnovers in an intense showdown with the Reading Royals on Friday night but ultimately fell short, losing 4-2 after two critical power-play goals in the third period.

The Fuel started strong, outshooting the Royals 9-5 in the opening period. However, a costly turnover by Kyle Maksimovich led to a shorthanded breakaway for Lou-Félix Denis, who scored to put Reading on the board first. Despite leading in shots, Indy went into the second period trailing 1-0.

The action heated up in the second period, with both teams exchanging early chances. Indy’s Brandon Saigeon found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1, marking his second goal of the season. But Reading responded quickly; just four minutes later, Sam Sedley tallied his first professional goal, reclaiming the lead for the Royals. Despite a double-minor penalty for high-sticking by Indy’s Matus Spodniak, the second period ended without further scoring, leaving the Royals up 2-1.

The Fuel’s uphill battle intensified in the third period, as a double-minor for roughing against Chris Cameron followed by a tripping call on Bryan Lemos set up a 5-on-3 power-play advantage for Reading. The Royals seized the opportunity, netting two rapid goals from Tyler Gratton and Parker AuCoin within 35 seconds to extend their lead to 4-1.

A late goal by Nathan Burke at 16:44 gave the Fuel a glimmer of hope, but it was too little too late. Despite outshooting the Royals 29-25, Indy couldn’t overcome the two-goal deficit, dropping the first game of the weekend series.

The Fuel will look to even the score as they return to the ice Sunday for the second game against the Royals.