The Quad City Mallards and the Denver Cutthroats were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Quad City made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-3.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Matt Duffy's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.

Brett Robinson had one goal and three assists to lead the Mallards. Robinson scored 5:08 into the second period to make the score 3-3.

Quad City surpassed its usual scoring output this season. This season, the Mallards average 2.7 goals per contest. Quad City was effective with a man advantage, and put in two goals while on the power play. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals. With 41 shots on target during the contest, the Mallards exceeded the 25.9 shots they average per game this year.

Quad City also got points from Duffy, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Shayne Toporowski, who also had one goal and two assists. Quad City also got a goal from Derek Matheson as well. In addition, Quad City received assists from Patrik Levesque and Anthony Perdicaro, who contributed one a piece.

By firing 30 shots on goal, Denver exceeded the 22.5 shots it averages per game this year.

The Cutthroats were led by A.J. Gale, who registered one goal and one assist. Gale scored 4:54 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Denver. Troy Schwab assisted on the tally. Denver additionally got points from Schwab, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Luke Fulghum also scored for Denver. Other players who recorded assists for Denver were Markus Lauridsen, Andrew Coles, Jeff Neitenbach, and Joel Chouinard, who each chipped in one.

Quad City's Neil Conway stopped 27 shots out of the 30 that he faced. The Mallards ended with nine minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major. Kent Patterson rejected 36 shots on goal for Denver. The Cutthroats totaled 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 0-for-1 on the power play.