GAME PREVIEW: FUEL AT THUNDER
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 8:05 P.M.
INTRUST BANK ARENA - WICHITA, KANSAS
BROADCAST INFO: 1070TheFan.com, ECHL.TV
The Story: The Indy Fuel (0-1-0-0) look to get in the win column by salvaging an opening weekend split with the Wichita Thunder (1-0-0-0), as the two clubs meet again Saturday night at INTRUST Bank Arena.
Wichita used a three-goal second period outburst to seize a 4-3 victory in Friday's season-opener. Kyle Platzer, Matt DeBlouw and Travis Ewanyk all connected in just under a five-minute span to break open a 1-1 stalemate, giving the hometown Thunder just enough cushion to stave off a Fuel rally.
Geoff Walker, Zach Miskovic and Alex Wideman provided the scoring for the Fuel, who pulled within one halfway through the third period, outshooting Wichita 14-5 in the final frame. Thunder goaltender Joel Rumpel was strong in picking up the season-opening victory, stopping 35 of 38 Fuel shots.
Feeling The Power: The Fuel's special teams units delivered impressive performances on Friday, highlighted by a 2-for-3 outing on the power play. The forward combination of Geoff Walker, Alex Wideman and Cam Reid flexed their offensive muscle, hooking up for two goals and six total points as a unit. Walker and Wideman each logged a goal and an assist, while Reid provided the secondary assist on each of the two power play tallies.
Two Rupes and a Bligh: Though they only finished with one assist on the scoresheet, the forward line of Matt Rupert, Ryan Rupert and Nick Bligh generated plenty of offensive chances Friday night. The trio combined for 11 shots, including a game-high six from Matt Rupert.
Inside the Matchup: Saturday is the second of only three meetings between the Fuel and Thunder in 2017-18. After the opening weekend doubleheader in Kansas, the two clubs wrap up their season series in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 9. With their win on Friday, Wichita grabbed a 3-1 edge in the all-time season series, each team winning one game at INTRUST Bank Arena.
Scouting Report: After tying for the team scoring lead last season, Thunder forward Matt DeBlouw got his 2017-18 campaign off to a quick start with a pair of goals Friday night. Forwards Kyle Platzer (1g, 1a) and Zach O'Brien (2a) also recorded multiple points in the season-opening victory.
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