INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Patrick Cullen's third period goal proved to be the game-winner as the Indy Fuel (6-16-2-3) narrowly defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones (10-11-0-4) by a 4-3 final score in front of 4,762 at Indiana Farmers Coliseum on Friday night.

Cincinnati struck first just 2:56 into the tilt as Patrick Cehlin fired a shot past Mac Carruth (W, 20 saves, 1-6-1-2) after catching a cross-ice pass from Brian Nugent. Unfortunately, the Fuel would answer back just two minutes later when Robert Czarnik stashed a rebound past Rob Madore (L, 25 saves, 7-7-0-3) after Justin's Holl's point shot rang off of the left post. In a penalty filled opening stanza, the Fuel would take their first lead of the night at 14:19 during a power play when Garrett Bembridge sent a high wrist shot over Madore's shoulder to grab the 2-1 edge. Cincinnati pulled even, though, with a man-advantage of its own just before the break; David Pacan sent a perfect pass to Cehlin who lit the lamp for the second time on the night with just four seconds to play - making it a 2-2 game after 20 minutes.

The Cyclones grabbed another lead midway through the middle period as Pacan lit the lamp with a high snap shot after a great feed from Jaynen Rissling at the 10:46 mark to make it 3-2. However, the cushion would be short-lived as the Fuel knotted things again at 16:20 when Czarnik potted his second goal of the game over Madore's stick-side shoulder. The deadlock would hold steady through the end of the frame.

The physical, chippy flavor continued in the final period as the teams combined for a total of 96 penalty minutes in the tilt. Unfortunately, it would be another power play for the Fuel that made the difference; at 9:26, Bembridge fed Patrick Cullen at the side of the Cincinnati net - who quickly buried the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal to make it 4-3. In the final minute, Madore was pulled in an attempt to tie it with the extra skater but came up empty as the home team picked up the one-goal victory.

The same two teams will continue their weekend series tomorrow night as they drop the puck at 7:35pm! Pregame coverage can be heard on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning at 7:15pm and seen LIVE via ECHL.TV or at the Game Time Sports Bar and Grill in Cheviot!

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Monday, December 29 when they host the Evansville IceMen at 7:30pm! This game was originally scheduled to be played on Friday, January 23, but had to be moved due to building conflicts. Fans who already have tickets to the January 23 game will be able to use them gain entry on December 29. It will be another Kids Eat FREE Night, where fans ages 2-12 will receive a free meal courtesy of John Morrell! Call 513.421.PUCK to secure your seats and for more details. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!

Click here for tonight's box score