The Columbus Cottonmouths could not stop the Pensacola Ice Flyers' Adam Pawlick, who tallied a hat trick in a 4-2 win.

Pensacola's penalty kill excelled, as the Ice Flyers gave up zero goals despite allowing seven power plays.

Pensacola was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and one major for 23 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 15.0 minutes per game the Ice Flyers had been spending in the box. Pensacola stifled Columbus' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Ice Flyers relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Nick Larson, Nick Lazorko and Keegan Flaherty took 20 of the team's 38 shots.

Pensacola also got points from Brett Beebe, who also had one goal and one assist. In addition, Pensacola received assists from Corey Banfield, who had three and Brett Lutes and Steve Bergin, who each chipped in one.

The Cottonmouths forced their penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up eight minors and one major for 41 minutes in penalty time. Columbus had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game.

The Cottonmouths were led by Bryce Williamson, who finished with one goal and one assist. Williamson scored 12:39 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Columbus. Chris Bailer picked up the assist. Columbus additionally got points from Bailer, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Shawn Bates also scored for Columbus. More assists for Columbus came via Matt Gingera and Neilsson Arcibal, who contributed one each.

Pensacola's Max Strang stopped 27 shots out of the 29 that he faced. The Ice Flyers registered three goals on six power play opportunities. Andrew Loewen rejected 34 shots on goal for Columbus. For the Cottonmouths, Mike Switzer was ejected from the game.