FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The Fort Wayne Komets are off to a strong start in the Central Division Finals after defeating the Toledo Walleye 4-1 in Game 1 Sunday night at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

Fort Wayne earned home ice advantage in the series after a successful regular season and protected it with the opening-game victory. The best-of-seven series now shifts to Toledo for Game 2 Tuesday night before returning to Fort Wayne for Game 3 on Thursday.

Josh Bloom got the Komets on the board first, scoring his first goal of the playoffs midway through the opening period. Later in the frame, Austin Magera tipped in a shot from William Dufour on the power play to give Fort Wayne a 2-0 lead heading into intermission.

Toledo answered in the second period, but the Komets quickly responded. Kirill Tyutyayev scored late in the period off a pass from Tyler Inamoto to restore Fort Wayne’s two-goal advantage at 3-1.

Matt Brown added the finishing touch in the third period, slipping a backhand shot between the legs of Toledo goaltender Carter Gylander on a breakaway to make it 4-1. Goaltender Sam Jonsson and the Komets defense held firm the rest of the way to secure the win and a 1-0 series lead.

The Komets have continued to build momentum during the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Austin Magera and William Dufour have recorded points in all six playoff games, while Magera leads the playoffs with 13 points. Fort Wayne has also dominated in the third period, outscoring opponents 11-2 during the postseason.

The Komets are seeking their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since winning the Kelly Cup in 2021.

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. in Toledo. Game 3 returns to Fort Wayne Thursday night at 7:35 p.m.

Tickets are available through the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum ticket office and at Komets.com.