The Capital City Knights came out flying in the first period, putting early pressure on the Saints Pro Hockey Academy. Noah Chase-Morin opened the scoring just over two minutes into the game, assisted by Jesse Schenk, giving the Knights an early advantage. The physical play escalated quickly, with multiple penalties assessed midway through the period, including roughing minors to Max Sohn and Karter Eskelson. Capital City capitalized on their power play opportunity when Karter Eskelson found the back of the net with help from Grayson O'Connell, giving the Knights a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission despite being outshot 5-4.
The second period belonged entirely to the Saints, who unleashed an offensive barrage with 21 shots on goal. Walter Prawdzik IV started the comeback just 25 seconds into the period, cutting the deficit in half. The floodgates then opened as Emmett Slemp and Casen Lakusta scored within 35 seconds of each other to give the Saints their first lead of the game. Corbin Walker briefly stopped the bleeding for the Knights with a quick response, but Steven Kemp restored the Saints' lead with what would prove to be the game-winning goal, assisted by Maxwell Olohan. The Saints' goaltending tandem of Lucas Gates-Shipley and Mason Gooding stood tall, combining for impressive save percentages as they weathered the Knights' attacks.
The third period saw the Saints add insurance when Roman Trembicki scored, assisted by Adam Hrabec, to make it 5-3. Despite being outshot 10-9 in the final frame, the Saints' defense held firm, with both Gates-Shipley and Gooding making crucial stops to preserve the victory. The Knights' penalty trouble continued throughout the game, particularly Rickson Cholak who took two body checking penalties, limiting their ability to mount a sustained comeback. The Saints' explosive second-period performance, where they scored four goals, ultimately proved to be the difference in this hard-fought contest.
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