The Toledo Walleye dropped their Central Division Finals matchup 5-3 to the Fort Wayne Komets on Tuesday night at the Allen County War Memorial, ending their 2025-26 season and a 10th consecutive playoff run. The loss marked Toledo’s first pre-conference finals exit since 2018, when they lost to the same Fort Wayne team.
The Walleye struck first with Dylan Moulton burying a rebound goal at 1:28 of the first period, assisted by Michael Milne and Reilly Funk. But Fort Wayne answered quickly as William Dufour scored unassisted at 7:19 to tie the game.
The Komets took control in the second period, capitalizing on a Toledo power-play kill. Former Walleye Kirill Tyutyayev scored at 2:20 after a lengthy video review to put Fort Wayne ahead. Matt Copponi added two goals in the frame, including the game’s first shorthanded tally at 10:56, to stretch the lead to 5-1.
Toledo responded with a goal from Reilly Funk at 13:47 of the second, assisted by Moulton and Nick Andrews. But the Walleye could not capitalize on multiple power-play chances, including a fourth opportunity in the third period with 15:36 remaining.
The final frame saw Toledo pull goaltender Carter Gylander with 3:49 left but failed to generate a shot on goal in the final minutes. Cam Hausinger scored at 14:59 to cut the lead to two, but the Walleye could not complete the comeback.
The Komets outshot Toledo 33-41 in the game, but it was their 3-0 record in the series and 13-2 advantage in even-strength goals that proved decisive. Toledo finished the playoffs with a 13-8 record in the Central Division Finals and a 26-16 overall playoff record this season.
Matt Copponi led Fort Wayne with two goals, including the game-winner. William Dufour added a goal and an assist, while Reece Harsch recorded two assists. Dylan Moulton and Reilly Funk each tallied a goal and an assist for Toledo.
With the loss, the Walleye’s season ends, and the focus shifts to the ECHL’s All-Star selections and the off-season roster decisions. Fort Wayne will advance to the conference finals for the second time in three years.
The NHL trade rumor mill is heating up with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks all linked to blockbuster moves. Calgary is reportedly considering a bold trade-up in the draft to land a top-two talent, while the Maple Leafs have opened their roster to trades with the excep
just now
The NHL is in full overdrive mode as the Vancouver Canucks fired head coach Adam Foote and his staff following a disastrous season, Buffalo Sabres face uncertainty surrounding Alex Tuch's future, and the Edmonton Oilers' potential interview with Craig Berube has fans in a frenzy. With the July 1 tra
just now
The Miami Marlins have optioned left-hander Braxton Garrett back to Triple-A Jacksonville, per reports from MLB.com. The move comes after two ineffective starts in the majors and is part of a growing issue with injuries in the Marlins' starting rotation.
just now
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired utility infielder Oliver Dunn from the Chicago White Sox in a one-for-one trade that sends left-handed reliever Joe Rock to Chicago. The deal comes as the Rays look to bolster their bench depth following injuries to key players, while the White Sox continue to reshap
just now