A stellar performance between the pipes by Andrew Loewen helped the Columbus Cottonmouths defeat the Peoria Rivermen, 6-1.

Columbus evened the best of three series at 1-1 and forced a deciding game three.

The Cottonmouths were led by Neilsson Arcibal, who grabbed one goal. Arcibal scored on the power play 19:05 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Columbus. A slashing penalty on Chris Greene had put Columbus on the power play. Preston Shupe assisted on the tally.

The Cottonmouths forced Rivermen's netminders to work in net, getting 45 shots and forcing 39 saves. Kyle Rank made 19 stops and Kevin Carr made 20. Columbus cashed in on power play opportunities, scoring two goals on three chances.

Columbus also got points from Levi Lind, who also had one goal and one assist and Jordan Draper, who also registered one goal and one assist. Matt Gingera also scored for Columbus. More assists for Columbus came via Kyle Johnson, Alex Gallant, Sam Bowles, Andy Willigar, and Mike Switzer, who each chipped in one.

Peoria kept the Cottonmouths' goalie busy throughout the game, and Loewen made 33 saves on 34 shots.

The Rivermen were led by Parker Stanfield, who scored the team's only goal. Stanfield scored on the power play 27 seconds into the second period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Nick Prockow provided the assist.

Columbus ended with 37 minutes in penalty time with six minors and three majors. For the Cottonmouths, Gallant was ejected from the game. Peoria totaled 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors and two majors and went 1-for-5 on the power play.