The Columbus Cottonmouths came close to giving away a three-goal lead to the Fayetteville FireAntz, but did just enough to escape with a 3-2 victory.

Columbus led by three goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when the Cottonmouths' Mike Switzer scored at 6:15 in the third period to put Columbus up 4-1.

The Cottonmouths' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and four majors for 34 minutes in penalty time. Columbus surpassed its season average of 18.0 penalty minutes per game. The Cottonmouths' offense was clicking better than usual and put 42 shots on goal during the game, better than the 30.8 shots per game they average.

Columbus was led by Max Cook, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Cook scored 19:01 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Columbus. Andrew Loewen picked up the assist. Columbus also got points from Kyle Thomas, who also had one goal and one assist. Columbus also got a goal from Andy Willigar as well. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Shawn Bates, who had one.

Fayetteville was often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and four majors for 32 minutes in penalty time. The FireAntz had been averaging 25.0 minutes in penalties per game.

Fayetteville was helped by Corey Tamblyn, who tallied one goal. Tamblyn scored on the power play 13:42 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Columbus. The FireAntz had taken the advantage when the Cottonmouths' Bates got sent off for illegal check to the head. Matt Robertson assisted on the tally. John Clewlow also scored for Fayetteville. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Derek Elliott and Austin Daae, who each chipped in one.

Andrew Loewen made 23 saves for Columbus on 25 shots. The Cottonmouths registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Curtis Martinu recorded 39 saves for Fayetteville. The FireAntz registered one goal on four power play opportunities.