The Canterbury Red Devils stormed back from a one-goal deficit after the first period to defeat the Dunedin Thunder 6-4 in regulation. A dominant second period, where they outscored the Thunder 4-2, flipped the game and proved decisive.
Dunedin carried a 2-1 lead into the first intermission after a strong opening frame on the road. Canterbury answered emphatically in the middle period, pouring in four goals to grab a 5-4 advantage. The Red Devils then locked it down in the third, adding a insurance tally while holding the Thunder scoreless to seal the win.
The four-goal second period was the clear turning point, turning a deficit into a lead they would not relinquish. Canterbury's penalty kill and defense stepped up in the final frame, allowing no goals on what was likely a Thunder push.