The Wichita Thunder came close to giving away a three-goal lead to the Denver Cutthroats, but did just enough to escape with a 5-3 victory.

Wichita led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Thunder's Brad Smyth's scored on the power play at 18:35 in the third period to put Wichita up 6-3.

The Thunder capitalized on Denver's penalties, netting three goals while skating with a man advantage. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals. The 32 shots that Wichita put on net surpassed the Thunder's average of 27.9 shots per game this season.

Wichita was led by Kevin Young, who grabbed two goals and one assist. Young scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 14:48 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Wichita. The Thunder had taken the advantage when the Cutthroats' Brett Lutes got sent off for hooking. Matt Summers picked up the assist. Young's next tally on the power play made the score 5-2 Wichita with 7:43 left in the third period. Wichita additionally got points from Ian Lowe, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Summers, who also registered one goal and one assist. Wichita also got a goal from RG Flath as well. More assists for Wichita came via Ryan Flanigan, who had one and Todd Griffith and Nathan Lutz, who contributed two a piece.

Denver's offense rang up 33 shots on Wichita's net.

A.J. Gale also scored for Denver. Other players who recorded assists for Denver were Troy Schwab, who had two and Luke Fulghum and Mike Towns, who each chipped in one.

Kevin Regan made 30 saves for the Thunder on 33 shots. Wichita ended with 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. For the Thunder, Erick Lizon was ejected from the game. Kieran Millan rejected 27 shots on goal for the Cutthroats. Denver totaled 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major and went 2-for-4 on the power play.