The Quad City Mallards tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Dayton Gems held on for a 4-3 victory.

Dayton took a 4-1 lead during the second period, only to have Quad City storm back on a Brandon Marino goal 10:47 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

The Gems stifled the Mallards' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Dayton was helped by Matt Baxter, who tallied one goal. Baxter scored 4:22 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Damian Surma assisted on the tally. Dayton additionally got points from Jonathan Ornelas, who also registered one goal and one assist and Nick Fanto, who also had one goal and one assist. Dayton also got a goal from Brett Lutes as well. In addition, Dayton received assists from Kyle Bochek, who had two and Andy Zulyniak and Matthew Larke, who each chipped in one.

Quad City put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Gems to score on any of their three power plays. The Mallards' offense was clicking better than usual and put 44 shots on goal during the game, better than the 35.1 shots per game they average.

Quad City was helped by John Snowden, who tallied one goal. Snowden scored 4:09 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Dayton. Eric Giosa picked up the assist. Quad City also got points from Mickey Lang, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Quad City were Bob Preece, who had one.

Dayton's Larry Sterling stopped 41 shots out of the 44 that he faced. The Gems incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. David Brown rejected 22 shots on goal for the Mallards. Quad City incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.