Steve Kaunisto gave the Denver Cutthroats the lead in the first period, and the Arizona Sundogs was never able to catch up in a close game that ended 2-1.

A goal 18:58 into the first period by Kaunisto proved to be the game winner, and powered Denver to the victory. The Cutthroats had gained a power play chance when Shawn Limpright was whistled for high sticking. Troy Schwab picked up the assist.

Denver was led by goalie Kent Patterson, who finished with 48 saves while allowing one goal. Patterson managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 2.64 prior to the game.

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

Denver forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up seven minors and two majors for 24 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 18.0 minutes per game the Cutthroats had been spending in the box. Denver stifled the Sundogs' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The 34 shots that the Cutthroats put on net surpassed Denver's average of 28.0 shots per game this season.

Denver also got points from Schwab, who also tallied one goal and one assist. In addition, Denver received assists from Phil Tesoriero, who had one and Garett Bembridge, who had two.

Arizona was often in penalty trouble, totaling seven minors and two majors for 24 minutes in penalty time. The Sundogs had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. Arizona's offense rang up 49 shots on the Cutthroats' net.

Other players who recorded assists for Arizona were Bryan Cameron and Jason Morgan, who each chipped in one.

Denver registered one goal on six power play opportunities. Andrew Engelage made 32 saves for the Sundogs on 34 shots.