The Quad City Mallards tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but Rapid City held on for a 3-2 victory.

A goal by Dan Gendur put Rapid City up 3-1 in the second period, but Quad City pulled to within one on Mickey Lang's tally 10:26 into the third period.

The Mallards' power play was ineffective against Rapid City's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Rapid City forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. Rapid City surpassed its season average of 18.0 penalty minutes per game. The 29 shots that Rapid City put on net surpassed Rapid City's average of 24.5 shots per game this season. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

Rapid City additionally got points from Riley Weselowski, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Michael Couch also scored for Rapid City. In addition, Rapid City received assists from Winston Day Chief, Jared Brown, Jesse Schultz, and Garrett Gruenke, who each chipped in one.

The Quad City penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and one major for 31 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 17.0 minutes per game the Mallards had been spending in the box. With 28 shots on target during the contest, Quad City exceeded the 23.4 shots it averages per game this year.

The Mallards were helped by Jason Dixon, who registered one goal. Dixon scored 18:42 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Michael Monfredo assisted on the tally. Quad City also got points from Lang, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. More assists for Quad City came via Matt Duffy and Mike Hellyer, who contributed one a piece.

Rapid City's Danny Battochio stopped 26 shots out of the 28 that he faced. Rapid City registered one goal on seven power play opportunities. Neil Conway rejected 26 shots on goal for Quad City. The Mallards ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Jason Kostadine was ejected from the game.