The Indy Fuel came up just short in a chance to even their opening-round playoff series Wednesday night, falling 3-2 to the Fort Wayne Komets in Game 4 at Fishers Event Center.

Coming off a strong 6-4 win the night before, Indy was unable to generate enough offense until late, as Fort Wayne built a two-goal lead and held on despite a late push.

The first period featured multiple penalties on both sides, but only one converted opportunity. After Indy’s Cody Laskosky was sent off late in the period, Fort Wayne capitalized on the power play when Austin Magera scored with just 55 seconds remaining in the frame. The Fuel held a 10-8 edge in shots but trailed 1-0.

Fort Wayne extended its lead in the second period, again taking advantage of special teams. Matt Miller scored on the power play at the 10:07 mark to make it 2-0. The Fuel answered later in the period when Laskosky got Indy on the board at 14:28, finishing a play set up by Marcus Joughin and Trevor Zins. The Komets carried a 2-1 lead into the third period, with shots even at 17-17.

In the third, Indy killed off an early penalty but could not keep Fort Wayne off the scoreboard for long. Just after exiting the penalty box, Reid Pabich scored to give the Komets a 3-1 advantage.

The Fuel continued to battle and pulled goaltender Owen Flores for an extra attacker in the final minutes. The move paid off when Tyler Weiss scored with about three minutes remaining, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Laskosky and Joughin were credited with assists.

Indy applied heavy pressure in the closing moments but could not find the equalizer.

Fort Wayne finished with a 30-22 advantage in shots on goal.