The Columbus Cottonmouths tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Knoxville Ice Bears would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-2.

Knoxville made the score 3-1 on a goal by Matthew Paton at 12:24 in the third period, and Columbus got as close as 3-2 when Kyle Thomas scored 14:41 into the third period.

After the loss made the series score 1-0 in the best of three series, the Cottonmouths face elimination next time out.

The Ice Bears were led by Francis Drolet, who registered two goals. Drolet scored the first of his two goals at 11:54 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Knoxville. Ben Power picked up the assist. Drolet's next tally made the score 2-1 Knoxville with 9:48 left in the second period. Eric Satim provided the assist. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Ryan Salvis, who had one.

Columbus excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances.

More assists for Columbus came via Louis Belisle, who had one.

Braely Torris recorded 28 saves for Knoxville. The Ice Bears incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors. Andrew Loewen made 26 saves for the Cottonmouths on 29 shots. Columbus incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.