Helena Bighorns' Christian Axelson scored 6:40 into overtime to beat the Missoula Maulers Maulers, 3-2 (OT).

The win gave Helena Bighorns a 1-0 lead in the best of five series.

Helena Bighorns was sparked by Axelson, who finished with one goal and one assist.

Helena Bighorns forced Missoula Maulers goalie Cody Janzen to work between the pipes, taking 95 shots.

Helena Bighorns also got a goal from Dylan Webster as well. Other players who recorded assists for Helena Bighorns were Brandon Rumble, Parker Olson, Jacob Wolter, and Chris Andre, who each chipped in one.

The Maulers kept Helena Bighorns' goalie busy throughout the game, and Alek Lazarski made 63 saves on 65 shots. Missoula Maulers was held back by its power play unit, which tallied two goals on 10 chances.

The Maulers were helped by Zach Paisley, who grabbed one goal. Paisley scored on the power play 5:32 into the second period to make the score 1-1. A tripping penalty on Rumble had put Missoula Maulers on the power play. Paigg Maul assisted on the tally. Tyler Zandhuisen also scored for Missoula Maulers. In addition, Missoula Maulers received assists from Donovan Mattfeldt and Jordan Wheatley, who contributed one a piece.

Helena Bighorns incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors. Janzen rejected 92 shots on goal for the Maulers. Missoula Maulers incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.