INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indy Fuel rallied from a 1-0 second period deficit with three unanswered goals to overcome the Quad City Mallards Friday night at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 3-1. In the process, the men of the Fuel capped an extended 6-game home stand with an even mark of 3-3-0.
In halting a two-games losing spell, Indy launched its comeback counterattack at the 10:33 mark of the middle frame when center Ryan Rupert fired his second goal in as many games and his fourth of the season on the power play with his club enjoying a two-man advantage. The Ryan Rupert strike equalized matters at 1-1 heading into the third period. The Fuel dominated the second stanza, outshooting the visitors with a season’s single period best 18 shots while allowing a season-low five shots against in the same stanza.
The Fuel climaxed their comeback effort in the final frame when defenseman Brandon Anselmini broke the tie with his first goal of the season off masterful arrangements from the Matt Rupert and Ryan Rupert twin brothers’ combination at 7:20. The Anselmini goal was struck just three seconds after Indy’s third power play advantage of the night had ended. The Fuel sealed the contest when right wing Johnny McInnis flashed in behind the Mallards defense and stashed an empty net goal at the 19:27 mark. It was McInnis’ third goal of the season and his first since his acquisition by the Fuel.
The Indy power play was 1-for-3 while the Mallards were 0-for-3. The Fuel outshot Quad City, 37-30, and 29-15 over the latter two periods. Rookie goaltender Etienne Marcoux posted his third victory for the Fuel while C.J. Motte absorbed the loss for the Mallards.
Ryan Rupert and Anselmini each authored 1 goal and 1 assist nights.
With the win, the Fuel elevate their season record to 5-9-3 for 13 points and 4-5-0 at home. They are 1-1-2 in four decisions against Quad City.
Next up for the Fuel will be their first road test since November 12th as they trek to Toledo to be hosted by the division leading Walleye Saturday night in a 7:15 p.m. duel.
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