The Indy Fuel are the Double-A affiliate for the Chicago Blackhawks and have treated their loyal hockey fans to a wonderful winning record this season. There havenât been many occasions when the Indianapolis faithful has left Indiana Farmers Coliseum with a sorrowful feeling.Â
Their home team hockey organization has inspired them with a strong 18-4 record sitting alone at the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference of the ECHL. Goaltending has been a true staple and cornerstone for Indy Fuel this season as they have put up a winning percentage of 80% and won seven of their last ten games. This past weekend was no different as their dynamic duo of goalies posted consecutive 4-0 shutouts over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits to cap the series on a high note. Saturday night featured starting goalie Dan Bakala taking center stage for Indy and putting on an East 38th Street showstopper in steering away 30 shots on goal from Greenville to right the ship.Â
After a strong offensive performance in their season opener Friday where they put half a dozen shots into the net, the Rapid City Rush mustered just one tally in Game 2.Â
The contest was tied for the majority of the first 40 minutes, as goals scored by both teams in the opening period came within 24 seconds of each other. The deadlock was broken midway through the third as the Utah Grizzlies notched a pair of goals in just over a minute to come away with a 3-1 victory Saturday and split the series at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
âUtah came out to play. They wanted it tonight,â Rush head coach Daniel Tetrault said. âYou have to give credit to them; they battled, they won every one-on-one battle. We thought maybe it was going to be easy but they made it hard on us and were well-prepared.â