The Wisconsin Whalers tried to dig themselves out of a two-goal hole, but the Cincinnati Swords held on for a 3-2 victory.

Cincinnati took a 3-1 lead during the third period, only to have Wisconsin storm back on a Zack Johnson goal 14:03 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Henry Smith was all over the ice for the Swords, as he tallied two goals in the win.

Cincinnati put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Whalers to score on any of their nine power plays. The Swords forced Wisconsin goalie Michal Marcinek to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.

Brenden Williams also scored for Cincinnati. More assists for Cincinnati came via Thomas Clayton and Hunter Schneider, who each chipped in one and Nikita Korotkov and Devin Fracassi, who contributed two a piece.

The the Whalers penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and one major for 29 minutes in penalty time. Wisconsin had been averaging 18.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Whalers excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in six chances. Wisconsin kept Cincinnati's goalie busy throughout the game, and Joe Sheppard made 43 saves on 45 shots.

Wisconsin additionally got points from Dan Addie, who also had one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Wisconsin were Ryan Martin, who had two.

The Swords incurred 22 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors. Marcinek recorded 28 saves for the Whalers. For Wisconsin, Chad Frost was ejected from the game.