The Denver Cutthroats had a three-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 5-2 win over Rapid City.

Daniel Barczuk had two goals and two assists to lead Denver. Barczuk scored the first of his two goals at 5:46 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Denver. Troy Schwab picked up the assist. Barczuk's next tally made the score 4-0 Denver with 19:08 left in the second period. Steve Kaunisto assisted on the tally.

Rapid City's power play was ineffective against the Cutthroats' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Denver racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with nine minors and two majors for 28 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19.0 minutes per game the Cutthroats had been spending in the box. Denver put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Rapid City to score on any of its six power plays. The Cutthroats failed to reach their usual level of shot production, putting 19 pucks on goal after averaging 24.0 shots per game this season.

Garrett Bembridge also scored for Denver. In addition, Denver received assists from Jason Cohen, TJ Fox, and Daniel Moriarty, who each chipped in one.

Rapid City was often in penalty trouble, totaling eight minors and two majors for 26 minutes in penalty time. Rapid City surpassed its season average of 17.0 penalty minutes per game. Rapid City put 41 shots on net during the contest, more than the 32.6 it averages per game.

Rapid City was led by Justin Sawyer, who dished out two assists.

Kent Patterson made 39 saves for Denver on 41 shots. The Cutthroats registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Keaton Hartigan took the loss and made seven saves before being replaced by John Griggs who made seven saves.