The Indy Fuel secured a 4-3 overtime victory against the Utah Grizzlies on Friday night, continuing their Thanksgiving week series with a second win. Despite an early deficit, the Fuel’s special teams shone, with three power-play goals and a clutch overtime winner from Ryan Gagnier.
1st Period: Fuel Seize the Lead
Utah opened aggressively, peppering Fuel goaltender Jake Theut with eight shots before Indy registered their first. A tripping penalty on Colin Bilek at 1:02 tested the Fuel’s penalty kill early, and though they survived, Utah struck shortly after. Reed Lebster’s goal at 4:51 gave the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead.
Indy responded on the power play. At 10:52, Kevin Lombardi converted with assists from Nathan Burke and Bilek to even the score. Late in the period, Kyle Maksimovich capitalized on another man-advantage, firing home a go-ahead goal at 19:32 with helpers from Burke and Bryan Lemos. Indy led 2-1 despite being outshot 13-11.
2nd Period: Trading Blows
The Fuel surged in the second, gaining a shot advantage but initially unable to extend their lead. A slashing penalty on Matus Spodniak at 12:28 allowed Utah to tie the game 2-2, courtesy of Cade Neilson’s goal at 15:18.
Indy’s power play struck again late in the frame. At 17:13, Cam Hausinger buried a cross-crease feed from Adam McCormick and Ryan Gagnier to reclaim a 3-2 lead heading into the final period.
3rd Period: Late Drama
Tensions flared early in the third as Lombardi and Utah’s Kade Jensen exchanged blows, earning matching penalties. The Grizzlies tied the game once more at 14:46, with Lebster netting his second goal of the night.
Both teams pressed for a game-winner in the closing minutes, with Indy dominating the shot tally 31-22, but regulation ended deadlocked.
Overtime: Gagnier Seals It
Overtime began with Lemos taking an interference penalty, putting the Fuel in a 4-on-3 disadvantage. Indy’s penalty kill stood tall, and moments later, Gagnier delivered the decisive blow. At 4:04, he buried a perfect setup from McCormick and Andrew Bellant to clinch the 4-3 victory.
With the win, the Fuel improved to 2-0 in the series and showcased resilience, depth, and an opportunistic power play. They’ll look to complete the sweep in the final game of the set.
Final Shots: Indy 33, Utah 25
Three Stars:
- Ryan Gagnier (Indy) – OT winner
- Reed Lebster (Utah) – 2 goals
- Cam Hausinger (Indy) – 1 goal, physical presence