The visiting Capitols struck first to take an early 1-0 lead. Rainers Rullers stopped a Team USA clearing attempt and fired a wrister from the high slot to light the lamp at 15:40. The game's opening goal was unassisted. 

After a Team USA  major penalty, Madison tacked on two goals in the span of 37 seconds to take a 3-0 that stood after 20 minutes. First, Andrew Kuzma sent a shot on goal from the right circle, which trickled through the pads of Harrison Boettiger (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) and into the back of the net. Shorlty after, Jack Brandt made it three straight off assists from Rullers and Austin Burnevik. The trio went tic-tac-toe, with Brandt the beneficiary in front of the crease.

Both squads traded scoring chances in the second stanza but were unable to capitalize. Team USA narrowly outshot Madison by a 10-9 total, including perfect periods for Boettiger and NTDP alum, Carsen Musser for the Caps. Madison's 3-0 lead stood heading into the final frame.

As Team USA played with an empty net to get on the board late in regulation, Madison's Kuzma fired one from the opposite end of the ice for his second goal of the contest for the 4-0 final.

Boettiger ended his night stopping 18 of 21 shots from Madison.