The Quad City Mallards tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Missouri Mavericks held on for a 2-1 victory.

A goal by Andrew Courtney put Missouri up 2-0 in the second period, but Quad City pulled to within one on Vladimir Nikiforov's tally 18:08 into the third period.

The Mavericks were led by goalie Shane Owen, who finished with 25 saves while allowing one goal. The solid play of Owen will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 2.57.

Missouri's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on three Quad City power plays. The Mavericks relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Courtney, Sebastien Thinel and Eric Castonguay took 15 of the team's 25 shots.

Missouri also got points from Thinel, who also racked up one goal and one assist.

The Mallards could not produce up to their normal offensive output. Quad City puts an average of 3.3 pucks into the net per game.

Other players who recorded assists for Quad City were Nicholas Rioux and Gergo Nagy, who contributed one each.

Missouri incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors and had no power play opportunities. Ty Rimmer rejected 23 shots on goal for the Mallards.