Missoula beat Gillette, 5-3, in a contest where the winning goal was scored in the first period but the game remained close throughout.

Missoula took over the lead for good with a goal by Zach Paisley at 1:54 in the first period. Missoula had gotten the advantage when Gillette's Brandon Miller was sent off for high sticking. Corey Schafer assisted on the tally.

After the loss made the series score 0-3 in the best of seven series, Gillette faces elimination next time out.

Paisley had two goals to lead Missoula to victory.

Missoula forced Gillette goalie Grant Friesen to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.

Missoula also got points from Will Stawinski, who also registered one goal and one assist. Missoula also got a goal from Anders Nord as well. In addition, Missoula received assists from CJ Morrison and Paxton Bell, who each chipped in one and Brett Mathews and Dunk Abbott, who contributed two a piece.

Gillette's offense rang up 41 shots on Missoula's net. Team could not crack Missoula's penalty kill and was held to two power play goals while having 10 opportunities to play with the man advantage.

Gillette was helped by Stanislav Izvekov, who had one goal. Izvekov scored on the power play 19:59 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Missoula. A checking from behind penalty on Blair Murphy had put Gillette on the power play. Taylor Motsinger picked up the assist. Trent Dillinger also scored for Gillette. More assists for Gillette came via Matt Rose and Casey Moneer, who each chipped in one.

McKinlee Baum recorded 38 saves for Missoula. Missoula totaled 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors and two majors and went 2-for-4 on the power play. Friesen rejected 32 shots on goal for Gillette. Gillette ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.