The Indy Fuel held the lead late but could not close it out Tuesday, falling 4–3 to the Bloomington Bison in an Education Day matchup in Bloomington, Illinois.

Despite outshooting Bloomington 29–28 and receiving eight power-play opportunities, the Fuel were unable to take advantage of the extra-man chances in the tightly contested divisional game.

The contest began with some early physical play. Just over two minutes into the first period, Indy’s Cody Schiavon and Bloomington’s Ayden MacDonald dropped the gloves and were each assessed five-minute fighting majors.

Bloomington struck first midway through the opening period when captain Eddie Matsushima scored off a pass from Chris Ortiz. The Fuel answered later in the period when Lee Lapid netted his 13th goal of the season, assisted by Owen Robinson, tying the game at 1–1.

Indy took its first lead early in the second period. Michael Marchesan scored at the 3:06 mark, his second goal in as many games, with assists from Dustin Manz and Schiavon. The Fuel maintained strong offensive pressure, but Bloomington pulled even later in the period when Chongmin Lee scored during 4-on-4 play following a series of penalties.

The game remained tied 2–2 entering the final period.

Indy regained the lead early in the third when Owen Robinson converted on the power play with assists from Matt Petgrave and Tyler Weiss. Moments later, the Fuel appeared to add another goal, but it was waved off after officials ruled the puck had been kicked into the net.

Bloomington mounted a late surge. Parker Galvas tied the game with just 2:43 remaining in regulation, assisted by Ortiz and Deni Goure. Less than two minutes later, Sullivan Mack scored the go-ahead goal with 1:13 left, completing the comeback for the Bison.

Matsushima finished with three points for Bloomington in the victory.

Although the Fuel generated steady offensive chances throughout the game, the inability to convert on the power play proved costly as Bloomington secured the 4–3 win.