Toledo Walleye sweep Indy Fuel in Kelly Cup Playoffs

INDIANAPOLIS — One win away from punching their ticket to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the Toledo Walleye took care of business Tuesday night with a 3-2 victory over the Indy Fuel, completing a first-round sweep and extending a remarkable playoff run.

With a chance to close out the best-of-seven series in three straight, the Walleye leaned on timely scoring, a red-hot power play and a stellar performance in net to seal their 12th consecutive postseason win over Indy.

Defenseman Matt Anderson opened the scoring in the first period on just Toledo’s second shot of the game. After a delayed review, his effort through heavy traffic was confirmed as a goal—his first of the playoffs—giving the Walleye an early 1-0 advantage.

Between the pipes, Carter Gylander delivered another strong performance in the team’s goaltending rotation. Gylander turned aside 23 shots in the win, including a key sequence of three straight saves that helped preserve Toledo’s momentum in the middle frame.

Special teams once again came through for Toledo as Mitchell Lewandowski capitalized on a second-effort chance during a power play. It marked his third consecutive playoff game with a goal and doubled the Walleye lead.

Moments after exiting the penalty box for a roughing call, Carson Bantle added to the highlight reel by collecting the puck and finishing a breakaway chance for a 3-0 lead in the third period. Though Indy mounted a late push, cutting the deficit to one, the Walleye held firm to secure the win and the sweep.

“These games are tough on everybody,” head coach Pat Mikesch said postgame. “You know everybody wants to get it done and not play Saturday. … Credit to the group—the locker room did a good job coming out of the first period, where I thought we were a little flat.”

For rookie forward Lewandowski, it was not only a personal milestone but also a statement to the rest of the league.

“It’s my first playoff series win playing pro,” he said. “It’s good for our momentum. We wanted to set a tone early, not only for ourselves but for the league. We’re feeling good and we’re playing well.”

With the win, Toledo has now won 26 straight playoff games against Central Division opponents and remains undefeated—12-0—against Indy in postseason play. The sweep also marks the third consecutive first-round series in which the Walleye have advanced without a loss.

The Walleye will now await the winner of the Iowa Heartlanders–Fort Wayne Komets series as they prepare for Round Two of their quest for the Kelly Cup.