The Fayetteville FireAntz almost clawed their way back from a four-goal deficit, but the Columbus Cottonmouths managed to pull out a 5-3 win in the end.

Columbus led by four goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Cottonmouths' Levi Lind's scored at 14:40 in the first period to put Columbus up 4-0.

Lind was all over the ice for the Cottonmouths, as he tallied two goals and one assist in the win. Lind scored the first of his two goals at 2:54 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Columbus. Neilsson Arcibal assisted on the tally. Lind's next tally made the score Columbus with 5:20 left in the first period. Kyle Johnson picked up the assist.

Columbus' offense rang up 38 shots on Fayetteville's net.

Columbus additionally got points from Arcibal, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Matt Gingera, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, and Jordan Draper, who also had one goal and one assist. More assists for Columbus came via Tory Allan, who had two and Jason Gray and Michael Switzer, who contributed one a piece.

The FireAntz forced their penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up six minors and three majors for 27 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 20.0 minutes per game Fayetteville had been spending in the box. The FireAntz's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on six Columbus power plays. The 35 shots that Fayetteville put on net surpassed the FireAntz's average of 23.3 shots per game this season.

Fayetteville was led by Derek Elliott, who registered one goal and one assist. Elliott scored 10:26 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Columbus. Tommy Lange assisted on the tally. Fayetteville also got points from Lange, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Fayetteville also got a goal from John Clewlow as well. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Matt Smyth, who had two and Mike Kavanagh and Corey Toy, who each chipped in one.

Andrew Loewen took the win and made 30 saves before being replaced by John Bierchen who made two saves. The Cottonmouths ended with 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors and two majors. The FireAntz's starting goalie, Peter Skoggard, made 10 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Dustin Carlson, who stopped 23 shots. Fayetteville registered one goal on four power play opportunities.