The Indy Fuel brought the heat on Saturday night, defeating the Kalamazoo Wings 4-1 in a Central Division showdown at Wings Event Center. After a postponed game the previous night, the Fuel capitalized on their power-play opportunities and delivered a commanding performance.

First Period:
The Fuel peppered the K-Wings with six shots before Kalamazoo managed their first. Despite several physical exchanges, neither team found the back of the net in the opening period. Indy’s aggressive forecheck and precise puck control translated into a 17-5 shot advantage, setting the tone for the night.

Second Period:
The defensive duel continued through much of the second frame until Kalamazoo’s Ted Nichol took a slashing penalty at 18:17. Indy seized the opportunity, breaking the deadlock with a power-play goal from Nathan Burke, assisted by Kevin Lombardi and Kyle Maksimovich. Heading into the third period, the Fuel held a slim 1-0 lead, having outshot Kalamazoo 31-17.

Third Period:
Burke struck again just three minutes into the final frame, doubling Indy’s lead with assists from Bryan Lemos and Colin Bilek. The Fuel found themselves on another power play shortly after when Colin Saccoman was penalized for delay of game. However, Kalamazoo’s Quinn Preston stunned the Fuel with a shorthanded goal at 3:51, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Indy quickly responded with a power-play tally from William Provost at 4:39, restoring their two-goal cushion. The Fuel’s penalty kill unit shined later in the period, shutting down a Kalamazoo power play after Nick Grima was called for tripping.

In the final minutes, the K-Wings pulled goaltender Jonathan Lemieux for an extra skater, but Maksimovich sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:17. Bilek and Burke, each having multi-point nights, earned assists on the insurance marker.

Postgame:
Indy’s power play proved to be the difference, going 2-for-2 while limiting Kalamazoo’s opportunities. The Fuel outshot the K-Wings 40-29.

The Fuel are currently tied with the Bloomington Bison for 4th & 5th place in the Western Conference Central Division, both teams with 39 points, but the Bison holding the tie-breaker at the moment.  The Fuel head back to their home at the Fishers Event Center January 31 and February 1 for a Friday-Saturday matchup with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.