La Crosse's penalty kill was superb, as La Crosse survived multiple penalties to beat Rochester, 5-2.

La Crosse was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and one major for 43 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 20.0 minutes per game La Crosse had been spending in the box. La Crosse forced Rochester's goaltenders to work without much rest, totaling 43 shots and forcing 38 saves. Zach Mains made seven stops and Kyle Plantz made 31.

La Crosse was helped by Cameron Pries, who had one goal. Pries scored on the power play 5:36 into the first period to make the score 2-0 La Crosse. A holding penalty on Ian Smyth had put La Crosse on the power play. Jared Bromberg assisted on the tally. Others who scored for La Crosse included Joe Guimont, Mick Nisbet, Toby Sengvongxay, and Ben Henderson, who each put in one. In addition, La Crosse received assists from Andrew Wagner, Jacob St. Andre, and Dylan Goggin, who each chipped in one and JP Eykyn and Justin Edwards, who contributed two each.

The defensemen of Rochester were also effective in La Crosse's zone, and came away with two goals. Rochester's penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as Rochester finished with 32 penalty minutes.

Rochester was led by Trey McMillen, who registered one goal and one assist. McMillen scored on the power play 13:21 into the first period to make the score 3-1 La Crosse. Rochester had taken the advantage when La Crosse's Eykyn got sent off for head contact. Nick Paulson picked up the assist. Vladislav Shipota also scored for Rochester. More assists for Rochester came via Sam Bjellum and Dominik Bogdzuil, who each chipped in one.

Wagner rejected 28 shots on goal for La Crosse. La Crosse registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Rochester registered one goal on six power play opportunities.