Matt Rupert scored what proved to be the game winning goal and added an assist as the Indy Fuel (14-17-3) broke loose for three goals in just over three second period minutes before surviving the host Quad City Mallards' (9-22-3) third period comeback bid on the way to a 4-3 victory Saturday night.
The Fuel was on the power play when Robin Press kick-started the three-goal Indy outburst by breaking a 1-1 tie with a wrist shot from blue line at 8:34 of the second. At 10:25 Johnny McInnis stretched the Fuel lead to 3-1 by burying a rebound. Rupert jumped on another rebound to cap off the onslaught at 11:38.
The Mallards battled back with two third period goals from Alex Globke. Globke cut the deficit to 4-2 on a shorthanded breakaway at 2:36 of the third. The margin dwindled to a single goal when a bad hop left Indy goaltender Etienne Marcoux stranded behind the Fuel net and enabled Globke to backhand the puck into the unguarded cage from point blank range at 9:20. Marcoux (27 saves) and his teammates, would, however, rebound to hold the Mallards off the rest of the way.
Early in the night it seemed as if the contest might take a different course. The Mallards' Sam Warning wheeled through the right wing circle to backhand in the opening goal just three minutes, twenty-four seconds into the first period, but at 14:08 of the first Jack Burton's blast from the right wing circle evened the score at one and kicked off a run of four straight Indy goals.
The Mallards return to action on home ice with Marvel Superhero Night when they meet the Kalamazoo Wings next Friday at 7:05 p.m. The Mallards will wear special edition Captain America jerseys in that game. Captain America and Iron Man themselves will make a special appearance at that contest. The Mallards’ game worn Captain America jerseys will go up for bid online in the wake of next Friday's game.
Next Friday also brings the return of $2 Dog/$2 Beer Night presented by 97X. Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs and beers from TaxSlayer Center concession stands during every Friday Mallards home game courtesy of 97X. In addition, the Mallards have once again this season partnered with Metro to provide transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline during all Friday home games. As part of Metro’s unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.
Tickets for next Friday night's game and all Mallards regular season home games are now on sale at the TaxSlayer Center box office, Ticketmaster toll free charge-by-phone (1-800-745-3000) and ticketmaster.com. The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
