The Great Falls Americans survived a determined comeback attempt by the Helena Bighorns on the way to a 4-2 win.

Great Falls made the score 4-0 on a goal by Lucas Lomax at 2:12 in the second period, and Helena got as close as 4-2 when Georgy Ostapchuk scored 18:18 into the third period.

The Americans excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in three chances. Great Falls forced the Bighorns goalie Grant Martens to work between the pipes, taking 44 shots.

Great Falls also had goals scored by Robert Kalata and Dylan Garton, who scored one goal each. More assists for Great Falls came via Arseny Ivanov and Hunter Garris, who each chipped in one and Michael Kliment, Zack Mese, and Erik Gatson, who contributed two each.

Helena's offense operated below its season average. The Bighorns average 4.8 goals per game. Helena could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 36 minutes in penalties during the game.

Helena also got a goal from Jay Forbes as well. Other players who recorded assists for Helena were Nick Trefry and Matt Mohar, who each chipped in one.

Evan Hauser made 28 saves for the Americans on 30 shots. Great Falls incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with five minors. For the Americans, Malachi Bushey was ejected from the game. The Bighorns' Martens stopped 40 shots out of the 44 that he faced.