In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Arizona Sundogs escaped with a 5-3 victory over the Denver Cutthroats.

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

Jeff Kyrzakos had a great game for Arizona, netting two goals. Kyrzakos scored on the power play at 13:42 into the first period to make the score 1-1 and again while 15:06 into the second to make the score 4-2 Arizona.

The the Sundogs penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and two majors for 34 minutes in penalty time. Arizona had been averaging 16.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Sundogs' goal total was higher than their season average. Arizona averages 2.9 goals per game. The 42 shots that the Sundogs put on net surpassed Arizona's average of 31.3 shots per game this season.

Arizona also got points from Chad Nehring, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Derek LeBlanc, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. More assists for Arizona came via Cody Purves, who had two, Kyle Chipchura, who had three, and Jason Morgan and Mario Larocque, who each chipped in one.

Denver racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with six minors and two majors for 22 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 11.0 minutes per game the Cutthroats had been spending in the box. Denver relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Kyle Quincey, A.J. Gale and Troy Schwab took 15 of the team's 26 shots.

Denver additionally got points from Gale, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Jean-Philipp Chabot also scored for Denver. In addition, Denver received assists from Brad Smyth and Ben Wilson, who contributed one a piece.

Adam Russo recorded 23 saves for the Sundogs. Arizona registered one goal on five power play opportunities. For the Sundogs, Adam Smyth was ejected from the game. The Cutthroats' starting goalie, Kieran Millan, made 24 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Kent Patterson, who stopped 13 shots. Denver registered two goals on six power play opportunities.