The Indy Fuel couldn’t overcome an early deficit Friday night, falling 4-1 to the Wheeling Nailers at the Fishers Event Center. The loss marks the conclusion of a two-game set between the teams this week.

First Period: Early Struggles

The Fuel came out firing but found themselves trailing early despite outshooting the Nailers 9-6 in the opening frame. Wheeling’s Kyle Jackson opened the scoring at 5:26 with a precise finish. Matthew Quercia doubled the lead less than four minutes later, giving the visitors a 2-0 cushion.

A late penalty against Ty Farmer for holding tested the Fuel’s penalty kill, but they held firm to keep the game within reach heading into the intermission.

Second Period: A Glimmer of Hope

The middle frame brought physicality and frustration for the Fuel. At 4:55, Indy’s Cam Hausinger dropped the gloves with Wheeling’s Dakota Seaman but earned a slashing penalty, putting the Nailers on the power play. Quercia capitalized, netting his second goal of the night at 6:54 to extend Wheeling’s lead to 3-0.

Indy finally broke through at 15:39, as Colin Bilek buried his tenth goal of the season with assists from Bryan Lemos and Kyle Maksimovich. The tally provided a spark, but the Fuel couldn’t close the gap further despite outshooting Wheeling 9-7 in the period.

Third Period: Nailers Lock It Down

Early in the third, Indy earned a power play after a high-sticking penalty by Wheeling’s De St. Phalle just 41 seconds in. However, the Nailers’ penalty kill stood strong, neutralizing the opportunity.

With time running out, the Fuel pulled goaltender Ben Gaudreau for an extra attacker, but Wheeling’s Gabe Klassen sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 19:22. Both teams finished the night with 26 shots on goal.

What’s Next

The Fuel (now 15-12-2) will look to rebound as they hit the road for back-to-back games against the Iowa Heartlanders this weekend.  They return to the Fishers Event Center Wednesday, January 15, for the next home contest against the Maine Mariners.