Michigan Ice Dogs came close to giving away a three-goal lead to Great Lakes Lightning, but did just enough to escape with a 6-4 victory.

Michigan Ice Dogs led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when Michigan Ice Dogs' Matthew Hartford's scored at 14:50 in the second period to put Michigan Ice Dogs up 5-2.

Michigan Ice Dogs was paced on offense by Hartford and Arron Podbielniak, who combined for five points. Hartford had two goals and one assist and Podbielniak also added two goals.

Michigan Ice Dogs pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 36 penalty minutes.

Michigan Ice Dogs' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on seven Great Lakes Lightning power plays. Michigan Ice Dogs forced Great Lakes Lightning goalie Jeff LaBaere to work between the pipes, taking 43 shots.

Michigan Ice Dogs additionally got points from Alexander Stewart, who also registered one goal and one assist. Michigan Ice Dogs also got a goal from Tyler Textor as well. More assists for Michigan Ice Dogs came via Adam Pinkowski and Steven Shariak, who contributed one a piece and Cody Brent and James Subu, who each chipped in two.

Great Lakes Lightning made Michigan Ice Dogs' goalies to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, firing 41 shots and forcing 37 saves. Colton Lewicki made 29 stops and Andrew Freeman made eight. The defensemen of Great Lakes Lightning were also effective in Michigan Ice Dogs' zone, and came away with two goals.

Great Lakes Lightning was led by Austin Postek, who finished with two goals. Postek scored the first of his two goals at 6:58 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Great Lakes Lightning. Jacob Bradley assisted on the tally. Postek's next tally made the score 5-3 Michigan Ice Dogs with 19:06 left in the third period. Aaron Henderson picked up the assist. Andrew Shalawylo also scored for Great Lakes Lightning. In addition, Great Lakes Lightning received assists from Colton James and Latham Wojno, who contributed one a piece.

Michigan Ice Dogs registered one goal on two power play opportunities. Jeff LaBaere made 37 saves for Great Lakes Lightning on 43 shots. Great Lakes Lightning ended with 26 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors.