The Indy Fuel opened a three-game weekend series in Michigan on Friday night with another tight battle against the Kalamazoo Wings, but fell 4-3 in overtime.

Indy struck first just 2:45 into the opening period when Lee Lapid found the back of the net off an assist from Jesse Tucker, giving the Fuel an early 1-0 lead.

Kalamazoo answered midway through the period. After Ryan Gagnier — making his season debut for Indy — was called for interference at 9:57, the K-Wings capitalized on the power play. Andre Ghantous scored at 11:25 to even the contest at 1-1. Kalamazoo held a slight 11-10 edge in shots after the first 20 minutes.

The K-Wings took their first lead late in the second period. Powell Connor scored at 18:26 to give the home team a 2-1 advantage heading into the third. Through two periods, Kalamazoo led in shots 24-18.

Early in the third, Collin Saccoman extended the K-Wings’ lead to 3-1 with a goal at the 12-minute mark.

The Fuel responded quickly. Just 1:20 later, Gagnier scored in his return to the lineup, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Cody Laskosky and Will Ennis were credited with assists.

With time winding down in regulation, Indy pulled goaltender Mitchell Weeks for an extra attacker. The gamble paid off. Terry Broadhurst netted the game-tying goal at 19:10, assisted by Tucker and Gagnier, sending the game to overtime tied 3-3.

Neither team scored again in regulation despite Kalamazoo holding a 33-32 advantage in shots.

In overtime, Zach Okabe delivered the winner for the K-Wings at 4:40, sealing the 4-3 victory. Kalamazoo outshot Indy 6-2 in the extra session.

The two teams meet again Saturday afternoon in Kalamazoo before traveling to Fishers for a Tuesday morning matchup.