The Missouri Mavericks gutted out a close 7-5 win against the Denver Cutthroats.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Kenton Miller's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Colt King was all over the ice for Missouri, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. King scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 11:16 into the first period to make the score 2-2. The Mavericks had gained a power play chance when Adam Smyth was whistled for tripping. Jesse Perrin provided the assist. King's next tally on the power play made the score 6-4 Missouri with 11:15 left in the third period. Missouri had gotten the advantage when Denver's Mikael Bedard was sent off for cross checking. Kellen Tochkin assisted on the tally.

The Mavericks put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Cutthroats to score on any of their four power plays. The 30 shots that Missouri put on net surpassed the Mavericks' average of 23.2 shots per game this season. Missouri's goal total was higher than its season average. The Mavericks average 3.4 goals per game.

Missouri also got points from Dave Pszenyczny, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, Trevor Kell, who also finished with one goal and two assists, John-Scott Dickson, who also registered one goal and two assists, and Sebastien Thinel, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. In addition, Missouri received assists from Brandon Smith and Blake Forsyth, who each chipped in one.

Denver relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as A.J. Gale, Troy Schwab and Aaron MacKenzie took 18 of the team's 33 shots.

Denver additionally got points from Schwab, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Denver also got a goal from Ben Wilson as well. More assists for Denver came via Sean Zimmerman and Jean-Philipp Chabot, who contributed one a piece and Brad Smyth, Gabe Gauthier, and Luke Fulghum, who each chipped in two.

Mathieu Corbiel recorded 28 saves for Missouri. The Mavericks incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Kieran Millan rejected 23 shots on goal for the Cutthroats. Denver incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.