The Indy Fuel picked up a critical two points Saturday night, defeating the Toledo Walleye 3-2 in a shootout in a game with Central Division playoff implications.

Toledo struck first in the opening period when Brandon Hawkins scored his 28th goal of the season just over five minutes into the game. Indy answered late in the period, as Owen Robinson buried a rebound with 1:56 remaining to tie the game at 1-1. Cody Laskosky assisted on the goal.

The second period featured a series of penalties and momentum swings. After killing off an early penalty, the Fuel gained a power-play opportunity but could not convert. Toledo capitalized on its own man advantage later in the period, with Sam Craggs scoring to give the Walleye a 2-1 lead.

Indy responded in the third period when Marcus Joughin scored his first professional goal in his debut, tying the game at 2-2. Laskosky and Trevor Zins recorded assists.

The Walleye appeared to regain the lead just 40 seconds later on a goal by Colin Swoyer, but the play was reviewed and overturned, keeping the game tied.

Neither team could break through the rest of regulation. Toledo held a 35-27 edge in shots through three periods, while Fuel goaltender Mitchell Weeks kept Indy within striking distance.

In overtime, Toledo continued to apply pressure, finishing with a season-high 44 shots on goal. Weeks and the Fuel penalty kill came up big, including a key kill after a Jesse Tucker hooking penalty, to send the game to a shootout.

In the shootout, Eric Martin and Robinson each scored for Indy, while Toledo managed just one goal from Garrett Van Wyhe. The Fuel secured the 3-2 win, improving their shootout record and denying the Walleye a chance to clinch a playoff spot.