The Denver Cutthroats relied on the scoring touch of AJ Gale, who netted four goals, to beat the Allen Americans, 5-4.

Gale notched his first tally 12:17 into the first period. He then added goals at 33 seconds into the second, at 5:46 into the third, and at 10:27 into the third.

The win gave Denver a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

The Cutthroats pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 16 penalty minutes.

Denver's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six Allen power plays. Allen was unable to stop the Cutthroats from sending pucks towards the net, and Denver eventually piled up 33 shots on goal.

Denver also got a goal from Cam Reid as well. In addition, Denver received assists from Steve Kaunisto, Robin Soudek, Kent Patterson, and Aaron MacKenzie, who each chipped in one and Lee Moffie, Troy Schwab, and Garett Bembridge, who contributed two each.

The Americans' offense rang up 39 shots on the Cutthroats' net.

Allen was led by Jamie Schaafsma, who had two goals and one assist. Schaafsma scored the first of his two goals at 19:26 into the second period to make the score 3-3. Daniel Tetrault assisted on the tally. Schaafsma's next tally made the score 5-4 Denver with 6:04 left in the third period. Bruce Graham picked up the assist. Allen additionally got points from Anthony Maiani, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Jonathan Lessard, who also racked up one goal and one assist. More assists for Allen came via Brian McMillin, Greger Hanson, and Alex Lavoie, who each chipped in one.

Denver's Patterson stopped 35 shots out of the 39 that he faced. The Cutthroats registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Bryan Pitton rejected 28 shots on goal for the Americans. Allen incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.