The Allen Americans tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Denver Cutthroats would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 2-1.

Denver took a 2-0 lead during the second period, only to have Allen storm back on a Jarret Lukin goal 1:35 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Cutthroats were led by goalie Kieran Millan, who finished with 31 saves while allowing one goal. Millan managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 2.29 prior to the game.

Denver put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Americans to score on any of their three power plays. The Cutthroats relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as A.J. Gale, Troy Schwab and Brad Smyth took 14 of the team's 27 shots.

Other players who recorded assists for Denver were Joel Chouinard, who had one.

Allen's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Denver power plays. The Americans did not reach the goal total they have come to expect this season. Allen averages 3.7 goals per game. The Americans' offense rang up 32 shots on Denver's net.

More assists for Allen came via Brian McMillin and Adam Pineault, who each chipped in one.

The Cutthroats ended with 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major. Steve Silverthorn took the loss and made 25 saves before being replaced by Aaron Dell who made zero saves. Allen ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.