Panthers almost clawed its way back from a five-goal deficit, but Turtles managed to pull out a 6-4 win in the end.

Turtles led by five goals at one point and ended with the victory. The largest advantage in the game came when Turtles' Michael Thomey scored at 2:03 in the second period to put Turtles up 6-1.

The win gave Turtles a 1-0 lead in the best of one series.

Turtles stifled Panthers' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Turtles was helped by Kiff Zirpolo, who tallied two goals and one assist. Zirpolo scored the first of his two goals short handed at 6:07 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Turtles. Turtles was on a disadvantage when Scott Buchholz went off the ice for slashing. Darren Uretsky assisted on the tally. Zirpolo's next tally short handed made the score 7-2 Turtles with 9:49 left in the second period. Turtles also got points from Buchholz, who also had one goal and one assist and Ryan Sullivan, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Turtles included Mike Reid and Dustin Craighead, who scored one goal each. More assists for Turtles came via Gabe Bielawski, who had two and Grant Harvey, who had three.

Panthers excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in six chances. Panthers forced Turtles goalie Jason Chow to work between the pipes, taking 37 shots.

Panthers was led by Quinten Issigonis, who racked up two goals and one assist. Issigonis scored the first of his two goals at 10:44 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Quinton Blois provided the assist. Issigonis' next tally made the score 7-3 Turtles with 3:18 left in the second period. Anthony Conti picked up the assist. Panthers also got a goal from Matt Lucero as well. In addition, Panthers received assists from Joel Issigonis, who had two.

Turtles' Chow stopped 33 shots out of the 37 that he faced. Turtles incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Jonny Donohoe rejected 19 shots on goal for Panthers. Panthers incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors.