The Columbus Cottonmouths survived a determined comeback attempt by Mississippi RiverKings on the way to a 5-4 win.

Columbus took a 5-3 lead during the second period, only to have Mississippi RiverKings storm back on a Reid Campbell goal 6:21 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Will Aide had one goal and two assists to lead the Cottonmouths. Aide scored 17:51 into the first period to make the score 3-1 Columbus. Craig Simchuk picked up the assist.

Columbus put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Mississippi RiverKings to score on any of its three power plays. With 37 shots on target during the contest, the Cottonmouths exceeded the 30.4 shots they average per game this year.

Columbus also got points from Simchuk, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Shawn Bates, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Columbus included Ben OQuinn and Louis Belisle, who each put in one. In addition, Columbus received assists from Kyle Johnson, Patrick McCadden, and Mike Switzer, who each chipped in one.

Mississippi RiverKings gave up more goals than its normal season average. Mississippi RiverKings is averaging 2.5 goals against for the season. Mississippi RiverKings' offense was clicking better than usual and put 52 shots on goal during the game, better than the 25.3 shots per game it averages.

Mississippi RiverKings was helped by Matt Whitehead, who registered two goals. Whitehead scored the first of his two goals at 13:47 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Whitehead's next tally made the score 3-2 Columbus with 16:37 left in the second period. Linden Bahm assisted on the tally. Mississippi RiverKings also got a goal from Ryan Marcuz as well. Other players who recorded assists for Mississippi RiverKings were Corey Leivermann, who had two and Devin Mantha, Mike Hayward, Andrew Randazzo, and Sean Jones, who contributed one each.

Shannon Szabados recorded 48 saves for Columbus. The Cottonmouths incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Adam Courchaine made 32 saves for Mississippi RiverKings on 37 shots. Mississippi RiverKings incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.