The Soo Eagles tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Fresno Monsters held on for a 5-4 victory.

A goal by Mikhail Bushinski put Fresno up 5-3 in the third period, but Soo pulled to within one on Pat Gazzillo's tally 19:00 into the third period.

Bushinski had a great game for the Monsters, netting two goals.

Fresno's goal total was higher than its season average. The Monsters average 2.5 goals per game. By firing 33 shots on goal, Fresno exceeded the 26.3 shots it averages per game this year.

Fresno additionally got points from Mitchell Snyder, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Mark Bittner also scored for Fresno. Other players who recorded assists for Fresno were Gordon Wells, who had one, Andrew McDonald, who had two, and Zack Holstrom, who had three.

The Eagles stifled the Monsters' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Soo's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in three goals.

The Eagles were helped by Chris Waterstreet, who racked up one goal. Waterstreet scored on the power play 11:23 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Soo. Soo had taken the advantage when Fresno's Drew Aspinwall got sent off for tripping. Nathan Harris assisted on the tally. Soo also got points from Harris, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Soo also got a goal from Dante Suffredini as well. More assists for Soo came via Cody Von Reuden, Jared VanWormer, Alexander Taulien, and Eric Rivard, who contributed one a piece.

The Monsters' Macauley Haight stopped 22 shots out of the 26 that he faced. Fresno incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Zach Nagelvoort rejected 28 shots on goal for the Eagles. Soo incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.