The Denver Cutthroats and Rapid City were evenly matched throughout their contest, but Denver made the most of its opportunities and won, 5-4.

The Cutthroats gained the winning advantage on a goal by Chris Greene 12:45 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

Markus Lauridsen was all over the ice for Denver, as he racked up two goals in the win. Lauridsen found the back of the net on the power play 6:52 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Denver and again while 7:38 into the third to make the score 3-3.

The Cutthroats were often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and two majors for 28 minutes in penalty time. Denver surpassed its season average of 15.0 penalty minutes per game. With 26 shots on target during the contest, the Cutthroats exceeded the 23.5 shots they average per game this year. Denver got an offensive boost from its blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Denver additionally got points from Brad Smyth, who also had one goal and one assist and A.J. Gale, who also registered one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Denver were Luke Fulghum, Kent Patterson, and Jean-Philipp Chabot, who contributed one a piece and Sean Zimmerman and Troy Schwab, who each chipped in two.

Rapid City put 43 shots on net during the contest, more than the 23.5 it averages per game.

Rapid City was helped by Jarrett Konkle, who tallied one goal and two assists. Konkle scored on the power play 19:56 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Rapid City. Rapid City had gained a power play chance when Greene was whistled for tripping. Jamie VanderVeeken picked up the assist. Rapid City also got points from Jordan Baker, who also finished with one goal and two assists. Rapid City also got a goal from Justin Faryna as well. In addition, Rapid City received assists from Jeff Lee and Damian Surma, who contributed one a piece.

The Cutthroats' Patterson stopped 39 shots out of the 43 that he faced. Denver registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Tim Boron made 21 saves for Rapid City on 26 shots. Rapid City totaled 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors and two majors and went 3-for-8 on the power play.