Patrick MacDonald scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Atlanta Knights held off the challenges of the Hampton Roads Whalers in a tough 2-0 win.

Atlanta took over the lead for good with a goal by MacDonald at 16:58 in the first period. Daniel Fendius provided the assist.

The Knights were sparked by MacDonald, who grabbed one goal.

The Atlanta 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 14.0 minutes per game the Knights had been spending in the box. Atlanta excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. Hampton Roads was unable to stop the Knights from sending pucks towards the net, and Atlanta eventually piled up 40 shots on goal.

Cole Stallard also scored for Atlanta.

The Whalers put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Knights to score on any of their three power plays. Hampton Roads did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. The Whalers put an average of 3.9 pucks into the net per game.

Atlanta's Lucas Thurston stopped 15 shots out of the 15 that he faced. For the Knights, Alex MacInnis was ejected from the game. Taylor Brost made 38 saves for Hampton Roads on 40 shots. The Whalers incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.