INDIANAPOLIS– The Fuel took on the Cyclones for the second of two preseason games this weekend and looked to win their first. Despite outshooting Cincinnati 32-18, the Fuel were unable to outscore them and fell 3-2 in a close preseason battle.
1ST PERIOD
Indy held possession quickly in the beginning of the first period, much like they did last night during the second period however could not score despite going up in shots.
The Cyclones had a few great chances however goaltender Mitchell Weeks for Indy made a few flashy saves to keep the score 0-0.
With just three minutes to go in the first frame, Cincinnati took the first penalty of the game after Berg was caught tripping Kyle Maksimovich.
They were able to kill off the penalty and the period ended a minute later but not without some extracurricular activity behind the net by both teams.
2ND PERIOD
Thirteen seconds into the second period, Cincinnati got their first power play of the game after an interference call on Indy’s Matus Spodniak. Just as time expired on the power play, Jalen Smereck was able to get the first goal of the game with a shot from the blue line.
Cincinnati’s Jake Goldowski scored just 23 seconds later to make it 2-0 early in the second period. After this goal, things heated up between both teams as a scuffle broke out to the left of the goal. Santino Centorame and Colton Kalezic each took a roughing penalty, forcing some 4-on-4 play.
The next goal came at 13:25 when Chris Cameron scored on a long shot in the zone with the help of Cam Hillis and Jon Martin to make it 2-1. By the end of the second period, the Fuel were outshooting the Cyclones 17-13.
3RD PERIOD
Less than two minutes into the final frame, the Fuel earned a power play opportunity on an interference call on Cincy’s Nick Favaro. The Cyclones were able to kill off that penalty and earned a power play of their own just seven minutes later when Luc Brown was called for a high stick.
Cincinnati capitalized on their power play and took a 3-1 lead with a goal by Patrick Polino. It didn’t stay 3-1 for long as Santino Centorame netted his first goal in a Fuel uniform with the help of Brandon Schultz and Luc Brown to make it 3-2.
As time ticked down, the Fuel kept the pressure on and pulled Weeks from the goal with just two minutes to go. Despite keeping the pressure on, Indy could not mount the comeback and fell in their second preseason game against the Cyclones, 3-2.
The Indy Fuel are back in action at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on October 20, 2023 for Opening Night against the Fort Wayne Komets. Tickets are available HERE.
Originally posted on indyfuelhockey.com