In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Columbus Cottonmouths escaped with a 3-2 victory over Mississippi RiverKings.

No lead was more than one goal during the contest, and the winning goal was scored by Chad Bennett at 9:32 of the third period.

Columbus was sparked by Bennett, who registered one goal.

The Cottonmouths relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Patrick McCadden, Bennett and Rusty Hafner took 11 of the team's 19 shots.

Chris Rial also scored for Columbus. In addition, Columbus received assists from Andy Bathgate, who had two and Ben OQuinn, Cody Freeman, and Tyler Henry, who each chipped in one.

Mississippi RiverKings put 39 shots on net during the contest, more than the 24.4 it averages per game.

Mississippi RiverKings was led by Cullen Bradshaw, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Bradshaw scored on the power play 15:24 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Mississippi RiverKings. Mississippi RiverKings had gotten the advantage when Columbus' Henry was sent off for hooking. Mike Grace picked up the assist. Mississippi RiverKings also got a goal from Ryan Marcuz as well. Other players who recorded assists for Mississippi RiverKings were Sam Higgins and Matt Harrington, who contributed one each.

The Cottonmouths' Brandon Jaeger stopped 37 shots out of the 39 that he faced. Columbus incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Garrett Sheehan recorded 16 saves for Mississippi RiverKings. Mississippi RiverKings incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors.