Canberra Brave won 9-4 over Brisbane Lightning in regulation, taking control with a four-goal first period. The Brave led 4-1 after 20 minutes and never surrendered the lead.
Canberra added two goals in the second period to stretch the margin to 6-2, then answered Brisbane's third-period push with three more goals. The Lightning scored in every period, but Canberra's early burst and consistent pressure kept the game out of reach.
The standout number was the opening frame: four goals in the first 20 minutes gave the Brave a cushion they protected all night. Brisbane kept competing, but the 9-4 final reflected Canberra's control from start to finish.