The Denver Cutthroats gutted out a close 4-2 win against the St. Charles Chill.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Steve Kaunisto's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Troy Schwab had a great game for Denver, netting two goals. Schwab's tallies came at 7:23 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Denver and 16:39 into the third to make the score 4-2 Denver.

The Cutthroats pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 20 penalty minutes.

Denver excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in eight chances. The Cutthroats' defensemen played well offensively, producing two goals while racking up 15 shots. Denver's offense was clicking better than usual and put 37 shots on goal during the game, better than the 24.6 shots per game it averages.

Aaron MacKenzie also scored for Denver. Other players who recorded assists for Denver were Garett Bembridge, who had three and Lee Moffie, Vincent Arseneau, Kyle Fletcher, and Daniel Barczuk, who contributed one a piece.

St. Charles put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Cutthroats to score on any of their seven power plays. With 40 shots on target during the contest, the Chill exceeded the 18.3 shots they average per game this year.

St. Charles was helped by Kyle OKane, who racked up one goal. OKane scored 5:02 into the third period to make the score 2-2. Martin Hlinka assisted on the tally. St. Charles also got a goal from Ryan Berard as well. In addition, St. Charles received assists from Justin Levac, Steve Anthony, and Nicklas Lindberg, who each chipped in one.

Kent Patterson recorded 38 saves for Denver. Linus Lundin made 33 saves for the Chill on 37 shots. St. Charles incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.