Adam Stuart gave the Peoria Rivermen the lead in the first period, and the Fayetteville FireAntz was never able to catch up in a close game that ended 1-0.

Stuart provided Peoria with the game-winning tally when he scored 16:17 into the first period. The Rivermen had gotten the advantage when Fayetteville's Graeme Strukoff was sent off for cross checking. Cody Dion picked up the assist.

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

Peoria was sparked by Stuart, who tallied one goal.

The Rivermen's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Fayetteville power plays.

More assists for Peoria came via Walker Wintoneak, who had one.

Fayetteville relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Joseph Manno, Chris Porter and Kyle Gibbons took 10 of the team's 19 shots.

Kyle Rank rejected 19 shots on goal for Peoria. The Rivermen incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Parker Van Buskirk made 22 saves for the FireAntz on 23 shots. Fayetteville incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.