The Columbus Cottonmouths tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Huntsville Havoc held on for a 6-4 victory.

Huntsville made the score 6-3 on a goal by Will Aide at 2:09 in the third period, and Columbus got as close as 6-4 when Craig Simchuk scored 9:37 into the third period.

The Havoc's penalty kill excelled, as Huntsville gave up one goal despite allowing seven power plays.

The Havoc forced their penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up 11 minors and four majors for 62 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 42.0 minutes per game Huntsville had been spending in the box. The Havoc outdid their season average for goals scored. Huntsville has scored at the pace of 3.1 goals per game during the current campaign. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

The Havoc were led by Nolan Kaiser, who finished with one goal and one assist. Kaiser scored on the power play 10:18 into the second period to make the score 5-3 Huntsville. Huntsville earned a power play opportunity when Kyle Shapiro was put in the box for leaving penalty bench. Brett Lutes assisted on the tally. Huntsville also had goals scored by Justin Tateson, Steve Mele, Jeremy Beirnes, and John Lidgett, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Huntsville were John McGinnis, who had one, Jason Popek, who had two, and Stuart Stefan, who had three.

The Cottonmouths' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled six minors and five majors for 57 minutes in penalty time. Columbus had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Cottonmouths' offense rang up 35 shots on the Havoc's net.

Columbus was helped by Chris Rial, who grabbed one goal. Rial scored 3:28 into the second period to make the score 3-3. Louis Belisle picked up the assist. Columbus additionally got points from Ben OQuinn, who also racked up one goal and one assist, Simchuk, who also registered one goal and one assist, and Patrick McCadden, who also had one goal and one assist. In addition, Columbus received assists from Rusty Hafner, who had two.

Kevin Genoe made 31 saves for Huntsville on 35 shots. The Havoc registered one goal on three power play opportunities. Brandon Jaeger recorded 24 saves for the Cottonmouths. For Columbus, Belisle was ejected from the game.