The Granite City Lumberjacks tried to dig themselves out of a four-goal hole, but the Twin City Steel held on for a 5-4 victory.

Twin City made the score 5-1 on a goal by AJ Merritt at 13:58 in the third period, and Granite City got as close as 5-4 when Aidan Verbeke scored 18:23 into the third period.

Tom Bartel had two goals and two assists to lead the Steel. Bartel scored the first of his two goals at 7:19 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Twin City. Marvin Powell picked up the assist. Bartel's next tally made the score 4-1 Twin City with 7:14 left in the third period. Nick Cerrato provided the assist.

The Twin City penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled nine minors and one major for 43 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 28.0 minutes per game the Steel had been spending in the box.

Twin City also got points from Powell, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Merritt, who also registered one goal and one assist. Twin City also got a goal from Chase Myers-Beck as well. In addition, Twin City received assists from Isaac Hale and Evan Anderson, who contributed one a piece.

The Lumberjacks excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. Granite City forced Twin City goalie Parker Butler to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots. The Lumberjacks gave up more goals than its normal season average. Granite City gives up 2.5 goals per game.

The Lumberjacks were helped by Zac Sikich, who tallied one goal and one assist. Sikich scored short handed 14:34 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Twin City. Granite City played down a man on Mitchell Gwost's tripping. Granite City additionally got points from Aaron Azevedo, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Aaron Storch also scored for Granite City. More assists for Granite City came via Matt Raiola, Blayne Ellson, and Nick Turbitt, who each chipped in one.

The Steel's Butler stopped 39 shots out of the 43 that he faced. Austin Wilson recorded 14 saves for the Lumberjacks. Granite City incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors.