In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Helena Bighorns escaped with a 5-3 victory over the Cincinnati Swords.

Each team kept the other at bay throughout the game, and Blake Babineau secured the win for Helena with a goal in the third period.

The Bighorns were led by Babineau, who registered one goal. Babineau scored 18:04 into the third period to make the score 4-3 Helena. Brandon Mills picked up the assist.

Helena also got points from Nick Trefry, who also tallied one goal and one assist, Kendall Bolen-Porter, who also finished with one goal and one assist, and Brandt Miller, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Helena also got a goal from Elliot Hopkins as well. Other players who recorded assists for Helena were Jay Forbes and Matt Blassic, who each chipped in one.

Cincinnati was helped by Brenden Williams, who registered one goal. Williams scored 10:54 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Cincinnati. Hunter Schneider provided the assist. Cincinnati additionally got points from Schneider, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Jessie Fracassi also scored for Cincinnati. More assists for Cincinnati came via Adam Goudelock and Alex Birkman, who contributed one each.

Helena's Alex Kruger stopped 23 shots out of the 26 that he faced. The Bighorns totaled 33 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major and went 1-for-4 on the power play. Brandon Kruger recorded 25 saves for the Swords. Cincinnati totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 2-for-5 on the power play.