The Columbus Cottonmouths pulled out a 4-3 (OT) overtime victory over the Knoxville Ice Bears on a clutch goal by Sam Bowles.

Peter MacDougall was all over the ice for Columbus, as he racked up two goals in the win. MacDougall found the back of the net on the power play 2:02 into the second period to make the score 1-1 and again while 15:14 into the third to make the score 3-2 Columbus.

Both teams had a hard time staying out of the box, and they combined for 24 penalties during the game.

The Cottonmouths were often in penalty trouble, totaling 11 minors and two majors for 42 minutes in penalty time. Columbus surpassed its season average of 22 penalty minutes per game. The Cottonmouths got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game. The 43 shots that Columbus put on net surpassed the Cottonmouths' average of 27 shots per game this season.

Columbus got a goal from John Sullivan as well. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Tom Maldonado, who had two and Kevin Kessler, Mitch Wall, and Bret Tyler, who each chipped in one.

Knoxville forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up nine minors and two majors for 48 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19 minutes per game the Ice Bears had been spending in the box. Knoxville stifled Columbus' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Ice Bears were below their usual level of shot production, taking 21 shots compared to the 30 Knoxville averages. The Ice Bears' offense was helped by the efforts of their defensemen, who managed to put nine shots on net during the game.

Knoxville was led by Kevin Swider, who had three goals. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Mark Van Vliet, Derek Foam, Eric Satim, Emery Olauson, Tyler Fletcher, and Berkley Scott, who contributed one each.

Ian Vigier turned away 18 pucks between the pipes for the Cottonmouths. Columbus registered zero goals on six power play opportunities. Nick Niedert made 39 saves for the Ice Bears on 43 shots. Knoxville registered two goals on eight power play opportunities. For the Ice Bears, Scott was ejected from the game.