M2 Northern Illinois University gutted out a close 6-4 win against M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Eric Svejda's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

M2 Northern Illinois University got the win with help from a great game by Nick Leon, who had one goal and four assists. Leon scored on the power play 8:05 into the third period to make the score 4-3 M2 Northern Illinois University. M2 Northern Illinois University had taken the advantage when M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill's Blake Varady got sent off for roughing. Justin Rucinski provided the assist.

M2 Northern Illinois University's penalty kill excelled, as M2 Northern Illinois University gave up zero goals despite allowing seven power plays.

M2 Northern Illinois University stifled M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. M2 Northern Illinois University kept M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill's goalie busy throughout the game, and Brendan Wright made 36 saves on 42 shots.

M2 Northern Illinois University additionally got points from Brian Pounds, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Others who scored for M2 Northern Illinois University included Mark Greenberg, Joe Serpico, and Brandon Niedziela, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for M2 Northern Illinois University were Troy Heurlin, who had one.

By firing 50 shots on goal, M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill exceeded the 0.3 shots it averages per game this year. M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill found itself short handed often, totaling 54 penalty minutes and allowing eight power plays.

M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill was helped by Nicholas Sabol, who had one goal. Sabol scored 10:31 into the third period to make the score 4-4. Nicholas Faulkner picked up the assist. M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill also got points from Faulkner, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill also had goals scored by Cory Johnson and Nick Edwards, who scored one goal each. In addition, M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill received assists from Mitchell Gevers, Matthew Burton, Taylor Emerick, Nick Edwards, and Brett Denap, who contributed one each.

Alex Hare recorded 46 saves for M2 Northern Illinois University. M2 Northern Illinois University incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. For M2 Southern Illinois -Edwardsvill, Denap was ejected from the game.