The Fresno Monsters tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Kenai River Brown Bears would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-2.

Kenai River made the score 3-1 on a goal by Alex Jackstadt at 48 seconds in the third period, and Fresno got as close as 3-2 when Dan Sherer scored 19:12 into the third period.

Jackstadt had two goals to lead the Brown Bears to victory.

Chris Nuth also scored for Kenai River. More assists for Kenai River came via Mikhail Bushinski and Zac Lazzaro, who contributed one a piece and Alec Butcher and Albin Karlsson, who each chipped in two.

The Monsters were often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and one major for 47 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19.0 minutes per game Fresno had been spending in the box. The 28 shots that the Monsters put on net surpassed Fresno's average of 16.8 shots per game this season.

The Monsters were helped by Justin Plate, who racked up one goal. Plate scored 17:16 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Fresno. Ian Janco provided the assist. Other players who recorded assists for Fresno were Tyler Shipstad and Chase Sisk, who contributed one a piece.

Marcus Zelzer recorded 26 saves for Kenai River. The Brown Bears totaled 21 minutes in penalty time with three minors and one major and went 1-for-4 on the power play. Macauley Haight made 21 saves for Fresno on 24 shots. The Monsters registered zero goals on one power play opportunities.