The Indy Fuel remain in position for a playoff berth, but the margin for error is razor thin as they battle three other clubs—Cincinnati Cyclones, Kalamazoo Wings and Bloomington Bison—for the final two postseason spots in the division.

Against that backdrop, every point matters, and the Fuel picked up a critical two Friday night with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Iowa Heartlanders to open a three-game weekend series in Iowa.

Indy controlled much of the play early but could not break through in the opening period. The Fuel outshot Iowa 11-3 in the first 20 minutes, but a single power play opportunity went to waste and the game remained scoreless heading into the second.

The middle frame followed a similar script, with Indy generating chances but struggling to finish. Penalties began to factor in, including a stretch of 4-on-4 play and a Heartlanders power play that came up empty. However, late in the period, Iowa finally broke through. Grant Ahcan scored on the power play after consecutive Indy penalties, giving the home team a 1-0 lead despite the Fuel holding a 26-16 edge in shots through two periods.

The Fuel responded in the third.

At 5:33, Matt Petgrave found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1, setting the stage for a crucial stretch run. Midway through the period, Iowa’s Cameron Butler was called for hooking, giving Indy another opportunity with the man advantage.

This time, the Fuel capitalized.

Cody Laskosky scored the go-ahead goal on the power play, with assists from Jesse Tucker and Marcus Joughin, putting Indy in front 2-1.

Iowa pulled its goaltender in the final minute in search of the equalizer, but the Fuel held firm to secure the win.

With two more games remaining in the series this weekend, the Fuel have an opportunity to strengthen their playoff position—but with multiple teams still in the hunt, the race remains far from settled.