Canberra Brave defeated the Newcastle Northstars 6-3 in regulation on the road, seizing control with a decisive three-goal second period. The Brave led 2-1 after the first and pushed the margin to 5-2 by the second intermission.
Newcastle matched Canberra with one goal in each period, but never closed the gap after the opening frame. The middle period was the turning point, as Canberra outscored the home side 3-1 to take command.
Canberra's scoring was steady all night, with period totals of 2-1, 3-1 and 1-1. The regulation result required no extra time, and the Brave's early efficiency on the road proved too much for the Northstars to overcome.