ECHL Indy Fuel

Robinson, Mavericks Edge Fuel in Goaltending Showdown

Published on October 22, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release


INDEPENDENCE, MO. - The Indy Fuel (2-2-0-0) succumbed to a strong performance from goaltender Josh Robinson and the Missouri Mavericks (1-3-0-0), falling 2-1 Saturday night in a goaltenders' duel at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. In a game devoid of scoring through the first two periods, two quick Missouri goals early in the third was all the cushion Robinson needed to turn his 31 saves into a victory - the first of the season for the Mavericks.

The loss was the second in as many nights for the Fuel, who drop to an even 2-2 record after the final leg of a three-game road swing. Indy returns home next weekend for a Friday-Saturday set at Indiana Farmers Coliseum against the Tulsa Oilers and Allen Americans.

Robinson and his counterpart Eric Levine stole the show Saturday in a contest short on goals but not quality scoring chances. Each team registered double-digit shot totals in all three periods, and both netminders were sharp throughout. Levine was exceptional in making his first start for the Fuel in 2016-17.

The two puck-stoppers were perfect through 40 minutes, until a miscue by the Fuel led to the ice-breaking tally from Missouri - just moments after Robinson denied the Fuel's Kevin Lynch on a breakaway. After collecting a dump-in behind his net, Levine sent an errant pass right to Mavericks forechecker Reed Seckel. The former Fuel forward found a waiting Darren Nowick at the net mouth, who beat a beleaguered Levine for a 1-0 Missouri lead at 4:01 of the third.

Indy responded to the go-ahead goal by applying more pressure in the Mavericks end, but again the home team was able to counterpunch. With the puck from a clean face-off win in their defensive end, forward Aaron Berisha skated the length of the ice on a 2-on-1 rush, looking off his pass before beating Levine over the blocker at 8:03.

The Fuel were able to draw back within one at 18:12 when defenseman Matt Stanisz threaded a point shot through traffic and behind Robinson for his first of the season. The goal was Indy's first since the 2:14 mark of the first period in Friday's loss in Tulsa, ending a scoreless streak of 115:58.

Several of the Fuel's finest offensive opportunities came in the first period, but a pair of crossbars and a disallowed goal negated by a Lynch high stick prevented the visitors from taking an early lead.

Power plays were not a factor for either squad; Indy came up empty on their lone opportunity, and Missouri was scoreless in three chances.

Next Home Game: Friday, October 28 vs. Tulsa Oilers - 7:35 p.m. The Fuel and CHN are celebrating healthy lifestyles in conjunction with the first annual Fuel 5K Run/Walk on October 22. Race participants can attend the game for free and will be recognized. For more info on the Fuel 5K and to register, visit here.

Single-game tickets are now available for the third season of Fuel hockey in Indianapolis at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum box office or at all Ticketmaster locations. Ticket Plans of all sizes are also available, from Full-Season Plans to six and three-game packages, in addition to Group Ticket options. Learn more by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Stay up to date throughout the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and don't forget to 'Like' the Fuel on Facebook.

-- INDYFUELHOCKEY.COM -- Brent Hollerud Director of Marketing Indiana Hockey Club, LLC 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205 Direct (317) 608-2689 www.indyfuelhockey.com

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