In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Columbus Cottonmouths escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Huntsville Havoc.

Columbus gained the winning advantage on a goal by Jordan Draper 11:43 into the third period and hung on until final buzzer.

The win by the Cottonmouths clinched the best of three series at 2-0.

Columbus was paced by Draper, who finished with one goal and one assist.

The Cottonmouths forced Huntsville goalie Jesse Kallechy to work between the pipes, taking 55 shots. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

Columbus additionally got points from Matt Gingera, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Columbus also had goals scored by Kyle Johnson and Mike Switzer, who each put in one. More assists for Columbus came via Tom Maldonado and Shayne Stockton, who contributed one each.

The Havoc's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Columbus power plays. Huntsville kept Columbus' goalie busy throughout the game, and Andrew Loewen made 29 saves on 31 shots.

The Havoc were led by Stuart Stefan, who registered one goal and one assist. Stefan scored 5:39 into the third period to make the score 2-2. Dominic Osman assisted on the tally. Huntsville also got a goal from Leland Fidler as well. In addition, Huntsville received assists from Nick Lazorko and Mike Gurtler, who each chipped in one.

The Cottonmouths incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors. Huntsville's Kallechy stopped 51 shots out of the 54 that he faced. The Havoc incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.