The Indy Fuel shook off a sluggish start Friday night and powered to a 7–2 win over the Cincinnati Cyclones at the Fishers Event Center, taking the opener of a two-game weekend series.

Cincinnati struck just 68 seconds into the game when Sam Stevens scored unassisted, but Indy settled in quickly. After killing off two early penalties, the Fuel tied the game at 14:11 on Brett Moravec’s goal, assisted by Harrison Israels and Kevin Lombardi. Less than three minutes later, Israels put Indy ahead 2–1 with his first goal of the night.

The Cyclones answered at 17:39 on a Ryan Kirwan tally, sending the game to the first intermission tied 2–2 despite the Fuel holding a 12–7 edge in shots.

Indy took control in the second period. Lombardi broke the tie at 10:46, giving the Fuel a 3–2 lead with assists from Moravec and Jacob Leguerrier. After a video review two minutes later, Israels was awarded his second goal of the game, extending Indy’s lead to 4–2.

The remainder of the period was dominated by roughing penalties and scrums between the two teams. Multiple minors—and a set of double minors—were handed out, culminating in a 4-on-3 Fuel power play. Although Indy didn’t score during the advantage, they carried a two-goal lead into the final period and a 22–15 shots advantage.

The Fuel wasted no time extending their lead in the third. Just 26 seconds in, Owen Robinson capitalized on a carryover power play to make it 5–2. After killing off a Robinson penalty minutes later, Indy added a sixth goal at 8:55 from Lee Lapid, assisted by Jesse Tucker and Tyson Feist.

Emotions continued to run high, with another fight breaking out at 9:00. But the Fuel stayed in control. After killing off a holding penalty, Indy secured the win with a power-play goal from Lombardi at 16:45—his second of the night and fourth point of the game. Israels and Matt Petgrave collected assists.

Indy outshot Cincinnati 29–21 and improved to 1–0 on the weekend series. The teams meet again Saturday night at Fishers Event Center.