INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The late season resurgence of the Indy Fuel continued Sunday when they fought back from an early deficit to overcome the Cincinnati Cyclones in the extra time of a shootout to gain a thrilling 3-2 triumph at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
In stretching their undefeated point streak to five games in succession at 4-0-1, the men of the Fuel eradicated a 1-0 second period shortfall when Mike Neal and Kenny Ryan each uncorked strikes to catapult into a brief 2-1 advantage. However, before the period ran out, the Cyclones attained the equalizer when Craig Dalrymple connected to forge a 2-2 deadlock.
After a scoreless third period and five minute sudden-death overtime period, the two teams proceeded to the showdown shootout competition where Indy All-Star Alex Wideman delivered the lone goal while his goaltender Eric Levine was supreme in turning aside all 3 Cyclones shots in recording his third consecutive victory, posting a miserly 1.33 goals against average during his win streak.
It was only the Fuel’s second extra time triumph this season in nine such ventures with both coming in the shootout where Indy has a 2-4 record. For Cincinnati, it was its first setback in five such decisions (4-1).
For the game, Levine made 37 saves including seven in the overtime period. As for Neal, the big, powerful center has engineered 10 goals and 10 assists in the last ten games while Ryan has registered 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points over the last seven outings. Right wing Nick Bligh assisted on both Indy goals and has collected nine points in eight games with (3 goals and 6 assists).
The Fuel completed the season series against Cincinnati with a 5-7-0 record including a 4-2-0 mark at home. Overall, the Fuel are 5-1-1 in their most recent seven starts, 6-2-1 in the last nine games and 7-3-2 in their last dozen dates.
Up next for the Fuel club is the final week of the season consisting of 3-games with 2 of them at home and the regular season finale on the road. Indy will host division rival Quad City on Tuesday night at 7:35 p.m. and Toledo next Friday night April 7th at 7:35 p.m. on Fan Appreciation Night at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Their 72nd and final appearance will be next Saturday night April 8th on the road at first place Toledo.
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