The Fairbanks Ice Dogs relied on the scoring touch of Jeff Earnest, who netted two goals, to beat the Fresno Monsters, 3-1.

Earnest found the back of the net 3:01 into the second period to make the score 1-0 Fairbanks and again while 19:44 into the third to make the score 3-1 Fairbanks.

Fairbanks' penalty kill excelled, as the Ice Dogs gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.

Fairbanks forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up five minors and two majors for 30 minutes in penalty time. The Ice Dogs had been averaging 16.0 minutes in penalties per game. Fairbanks was below its usual level of shot production, taking 22 shots compared to the 28.2 the Ice Dogs average.

JT Osborn also scored for Fairbanks. In addition, Fairbanks received assists from Pete Spratte, Logan Wendling, Nick Hinz, Gabe Levin, Alec Hajdukovich, and Max Birkinbine, who contributed one a piece.

Fresno's offense was clicking better than usual and put 23 shots on goal during the game, better than the 20.4 shots per game it averages.

The Monsters were led by Dominic Valencia, who scored the team's only goal. Valencia scored on the power play 11:30 into the second period to make the score 1-1. Fresno had taken the advantage when Fairbanks' Sean ORourke got sent off for tripping. Ryan Doner assisted on the tally.

Steve Perry recorded 22 saves for the Ice Dogs. Fairbanks registered zero goals on two power play opportunities. Tomas Sholl rejected 19 shots on goal for the Monsters. Fresno ended with nine minutes in penalty time with two minors and one major.