The Indy Fuel continued its playoff push this weekend by taking two critical games from the Toledo Walleye. As it currently stands, Fuel are two points out of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. With the Fuel chasing the Fort Wayne Comets in the standings, they desperately needed a sweep.
In their first contest on January 10th against the Walleye, the Indy Fuel would score two goals in the first period and pad their lead in the second period.
The Fuel got on the score sheet with fortunate positioning by Jay Dickman.
Right place, right time @Dicky26Jay pic.twitter.com/yYmeKAZSGM
— Indy Fuel (@IndyFuel) January 12, 2020
After Dickman got the scoring started, and the Fuel started burning up the score sheet. Joe Sullivan would receive a pass from Liam Coughlin and blast the puck past the Walleye goalie for the second tally of the game.
The first period ended with the Fuel-burning white-hot and leading 2-0.
In the second period, the Fuel poured more gas on their fire with a dazzling move from Alex Rauter.
"thank you very much"
Alex Rauter, probably pic.twitter.com/WIHkitcT3n
— Indy Fuel (@IndyFuel) January 12, 2020
The 3-0 lead did not last as the Walleye mounted a roaring comeback scoring two goals. Justin Buzzeo cut into the Fuel lead with the first goal and Braden Trook slashed the lead with the second goal. Recently acquired Goalie Dan Bakkla would survive the onslaught from the Walleye and preserve the first victory of their back-to-back games.
Game Two: January 11th
In their second matchup, the game followed much of the same script. The Fuel would get up big with a two-goal lead entering the third period, however, the Walleye would counter with two goals in the third period. After both teams were unsuccessful in their attempts to end the game in overtime, the game moved forward to the shootout. In the shootout, the Fuel cashed in two goals from Alex Krushelnyski and Bobby MacIntyre. While in their net, Charles Williams stopped both Walleye shots. The Fuel achieved victory by the final score of 4-3.
Fuel Tank
Liam Coughlin – With Spencer Watson being recalled by the Rockford IceHogs, the Fuel needed someone to step up offensively and Coughlin has been that guy. He has two goals in two games after having only one goal in his previous 22 games.
Dan Baaka – The recently signed Baaka has been dynamite since joining the Indy Fuel. In his three starts, he has 1.72 goals-against average and .953 save percentage.