Fuel Fall to Komets in OT, Playoff Race Tightens

William Dufour's power play goal in overtime dealt a blow to Indy's postseason hopes.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:49am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with fragmented shapes and planes of blue, red, and white representing the players and action on the ice.As the ECHL playoff race intensifies, the Indy Fuel's overtime loss to their rivals highlights the high stakes and tight competition for the final postseason spots.Fort Wayne Today

The Indy Fuel picked up a point in the standings after falling to the division-leading Fort Wayne Komets 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday night. William Dufour scored the game-winning power play goal just over three minutes into the extra period, handing Indy a tough loss as the ECHL playoff race tightens.

Why it matters

The Fuel are currently tied for the final two playoff spots in the Central Division with Bloomington, but the loss was a missed opportunity to create more separation. With just one game remaining, Indy is now in a tight battle with several teams vying for the last postseason berths.

The details

Fort Wayne opened the scoring early in the first period, but Indy responded to tie it at 1-1. The Komets then took a 2-1 lead in the second on another power play goal from Dufour. The Fuel rallied in the third, scoring twice to take a 3-2 advantage, but Kirill Tyutyayev tied it late to force overtime. In the extra period, Jadon Joseph was called for hooking, and Dufour capitalized on the power play to win it for Fort Wayne.

  • The Komets scored the opening goal at 2:26 of the first period.
  • Indy tied the game at 1-1 five minutes later.
  • Fort Wayne regained the lead at 13:32 of the second period on Dufour's power play goal.
  • The Fuel took a 3-2 lead with two third-period goals, but Tyutyayev tied it with under five minutes left in regulation.
  • Dufour scored the overtime winner on the power play just over three minutes into the extra period.

The players

William Dufour

A forward for the Fort Wayne Komets who scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.

Cody Laskosky

An Indy Fuel forward who had a goal and an assist in the game.

Kirill Tyutyayev

A Komets forward who scored the late game-tying goal to force overtime.

Tyler Weiss

An Indy Fuel forward who scored a power play goal to tie the game at 2-2 in the third period.

Mitchell Weeks

The Indy Fuel goaltender who made 23 saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We had our chances to put the game away, but Fort Wayne kept battling back. This is a tough loss, but we'll regroup and be ready for our final game.”

— Cody Laskosky, Indy Fuel Forward

What’s next

The Fuel will play their final regular season game on Saturday night in Wheeling, with their playoff fate still hanging in the balance. Indy is currently tied with Bloomington for the final two postseason spots, but the Bison have two games remaining, both at home against last-place Iowa.

The takeaway

This overtime loss was a missed opportunity for the Fuel to create more separation in the tight Central Division playoff race. With just one game left, Indy is now in a precarious position, needing help from other teams to secure a postseason berth.