Newcastle Northstars edged the Sydney Ice Dogs 4-3 in regulation, using a strong third period to seal the win after the teams entered the final frame tied 2-2. The Northstars controlled the opening period and responded when needed in the third, outscoring Sydney 2-1 in both the first and third periods.
Newcastle opened with a 2-1 lead after one, but Sydney pushed back in the second with the only goal of the period to level the game at 2-2. The Northstars regained the upper hand in the third, scoring twice while allowing a single Sydney reply to close out the 4-3 decision.
The defining edge was Newcastle's ability to win the key periods — taking the first and third by identical 2-1 margins. The two-goal opening frame gave the home side an early cushion, and the late third-period push proved decisive in regulation.