The Indy Fuel secured a hard-fought 2-1 road victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones Saturday night, with Kevin Lombardi netting the game-winning goal in the final minutes of regulation.

Cincinnati’s Kyle Bollers broke the deadlock at 16:52, giving the Cyclones a 1-0 lead. Tensions flared immediately after the goal, but the officials kept their whistles quiet. Indy outshot Cincinnati 7-6 but trailed by one heading into the first intermission.

Indy found an answer at 6:45 when Darby Llewellyn capitalized on an opportunity, with assists from Bryan Lemos and Lucas Brenton, to even the score at 1-1.

Both teams had chances early in the third but remained disciplined. At 11:11, Lucas Brenton was called for cross-checking, giving Cincinnati a power play, but Indy successfully killed it off.

With time winding down, the Fuel finally broke through. At 17:51, after a battle in front of the net, Kevin Lombardi managed to jam the puck past Cyclones goaltender Pavel Peksa for the go-ahead goal. Assists went to Kyle Maksimovich and Nick Grima. Officials reviewed the play but confirmed the goal stood, putting Indy ahead 2-1.

Cincinnati pulled Peksa for the extra attacker in the final minute, using a timeout to strategize for one last push. However, the Fuel’s defense held firm, sealing the win after outshooting the Cyclones 22-21.

This win strengthens the Fuel’s standing to compete for the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL Central Division.  The Fuel are back at the Fishers Event Center Sunday at 4pm to take on Indiana rival, the Fort Wayne Komets.  It will be Agriculture Day.