The Knoxville Ice Bears tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but Mississippi RiverKings would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 4-3.

A goal by Benjamin Rubin put Mississippi RiverKings up 4-2 in the third period, but Knoxville pulled to within one on Trever Hertz's tally 17:36 into the third period.

Mississippi RiverKings was led by Rubin, who finished with one goal. Rubin scored 13:03 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Mississippi RiverKings. Michael Beaudry assisted on the tally.

Mississippi RiverKings failed to reach its usual level of shot production, putting 21 pucks on goal after averaging 30.0 shots per game this season.

Mississippi RiverKings also had goals scored by Ryan Marcuz, Devin Mantha, and Charles Mosey, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Mississippi RiverKings were Mike Grace, who had two and Dean Willmott, Sam Higgins, and Corey Bellamy, who contributed one each.

The Ice Bears managed to stay out of the box better than usual, totaling one minor for two minutes in penalty time. Knoxville finished below its season average of 15.0 penalty minutes per game. With 36 shots on target during the contest, the Ice Bears exceeded the 26.6 shots they average per game this year.

Others who scored for Knoxville included Brad Pawlowski and Bret Peppler, who each put in one. In addition, Knoxville received assists from Todd Hosmer, who had one and Dennis Sicard and Josh Cousineau, who contributed two each.

Mississippi RiverKings' Peter Di Salvo stopped 33 shots out of the 36 that he faced. Mississippi RiverKings incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Braely Torris rejected 17 shots on goal for Knoxville. The Ice Bears registered one goal on four power play opportunities.