The Columbus Cottonmouths 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.

Mississippi RiverKings took a 4-2 lead during the third period, only to have Columbus storm back on a Alex MacLeod goal 10:54 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Mississippi RiverKings was paced by Matt Whitehead, who had one goal. Whitehead scored on the power play 4:29 into the third period to make the score Mississippi RiverKings. Mississippi RiverKings had gained a power play chance when Matt Gingera was whistled for high sticking. Jeremy Dawes picked up the assist.

Mississippi RiverKings stifled the Cottonmouths' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Mississippi RiverKings additionally got points from Dawes, who also finished with one goal and one assist and Darrell Stoddard, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Mississippi RiverKings also got a goal from Ian Finnerty as well. More assists for Mississippi RiverKings came via Patrick Gaul, who had three and Andrew Randazzo, Nick Walsh, and Kyle Lundale, who contributed one a piece.

Columbus put 27 shots on net during the contest, more than the 24.1 it averages per game. The Cottonmouths' penalty kill unit could not stop Mississippi RiverKings' power play, which converted on three of five opportunities.

Columbus was helped by Brett Hammond, who registered two goals. Hammond scored the first of his two goals at 3:25 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Columbus. MacLeod assisted on the tally. Hammond's next tally made the score 2-0 Columbus with 11:27 left in the first period. Kyle Johnson picked up the assist. Columbus also got points from MacLeod, who also racked up one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. In addition, Columbus received assists from Kevin Kessler, who had one and Bret Tyler, who had two.

Mississippi RiverKings' David Wilson stopped 24 shots out of the 27 that he faced. Mississippi RiverKings ended with 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major. Mississippi RiverKings ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Stoddard was ejected from the game. Ian Vigier made 22 saves for the Cottonmouths on 26 shots. Columbus totaled 17 minutes in penalty time with six minors and one major and went 0-for-4 on the power play.