The Indy Fuel capped off their grueling 15-game road trip in style, defeating the Utah Grizzlies 4-1 on Saturday night to complete a three-game series sweep. A record-setting performance from Kevin Lombardi and relentless offensive pressure propelled the Fuel to their third straight win, but the night was also marked by intense physicality and a staggering 117 penalty minutes.

First Period: Special Teams Spark the Fuel

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, with penalties slowing the game’s pace. Utah’s Kabore Dunn’s slashing penalty at 14:04 opened the door for the Fuel to strike first. Cam Hausinger capitalized on the power play, scoring at 16:03 to give Indy a 1-0 lead.

The physicality escalated quickly as three roughing penalties were handed out in a span of 70 seconds. By the end of the first, 14 penalty minutes had been assessed, and the Fuel had outshot the Grizzlies 14-7.

Second Period: Lombardi Lights It Up

Kevin Lombardi stole the show early in the second, netting two goals in just 14 seconds to extend Indy’s lead to 3-0. His lightning-fast double broke the franchise record for the fastest two goals by the same player, a mark previously held by Kenny Ryan in 2017.

Utah managed to halt Indy’s momentum momentarily when Briley Wood scored at 14:40, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The rough play continued, with Jordan Martin and Utah’s Gianni Fairbrother exchanging roughing minors late in the period.

Indy once again controlled the shot count, outshooting Utah 14-8.

Third Period: Bilek Seals the Deal, Tempers Flare

Colin Bilek wasted no time adding to Indy’s lead, scoring just 63 seconds into the final period. His goal, his third of the season, put the game out of reach for Utah at 4-1.

As the Fuel pulled away, the game’s physicality reached a boiling point. A heated exchange at 7:47 resulted in six penalties, including a game misconduct for Hausinger. Late in the game, a controversial hit on Darby Llewellyn sparked another melee, leading to four misconducts.

By the final whistle, the teams had combined for 117 penalty minutes, with 68 assessed to the Fuel.

Dominance on Display

Indy outshot Utah in every period and finished with a 37-17 shot advantage. The win capped an exhausting road trip on a high note, leaving the Fuel eager to return to their new home and build on their momentum.

Up Next

The Fuel will enjoy a brief break before returning to Indiana for their home opener at the Fishers Event Center, where they’ll look to extend their winning streak.