The Denver Cutthroats tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but Rapid City held on for a 6-5 victory.

A goal by Konrad Reeder put Rapid City up 5-3 in the third period, but Denver pulled to within one on Aaron MacKenzie's tally 9:59 into the third period.

Winston Day Chief was all over the ice for Rapid City, as he tallied two goals and three assists in the win. Day Chief scored the first of his two goals at 1:11 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Rapid City. Day Chief's next tally made the score 4-3 Rapid City with 19:23 left in the third period.

Rapid City made Cutthroats' netminders to work all game long, taking 33 shots and forcing 27 saves. Kent Patterson made 25 stops and Kieran Millan made two. Rapid City outdid its season average for goals scored. Rapid City averages 3.7 goals per game. Rapid City's penalty kill was ineffective, and let in two goals to the Cutthroats' power play unit. Rapid City's defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. Rapid City gives up 2.1 goals per game.

Rapid City also got a goal from Jesse Schultz as well. In addition, Rapid City received assists from Austin Mayer, who had one and Sean Erickson, who had three.

Denver forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up nine minors and one major for 23 minutes in penalty time. The Cutthroats surpassed its season average of 19.0 penalty minutes per game. The 35 shots that Denver put on net surpassed the Cutthroats' average of 19.9 shots per game this season.

Denver was led by Garrett Bembridge, who tallied one goal and two assists. Bembridge scored on the power play 3:38 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Denver. The Cutthroats earned a power play opportunity when Tristin Llewellyn was put in the box for slashing. Denver also got points from Troy Schwab, who also had one goal and one assist and Daniel Barczuk, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Matt Glasser also scored for Denver. More assists for Denver came via Nick Schneider, who had one and TJ Fox, who had two.

Tim Boron recorded 30 saves for Rapid City. Rapid City totaled 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-7 on the power play.