Melbourne Ice rolled to a 6-2 regulation win over Perth Thunder, powered by a decisive second period. After a 1-1 first period, the Ice seized control by outscoring the Thunder 3-0 in the middle frame, turning the game decisively in their favor.
Perth opened the scoring in the first, but Melbourne answered before the intermission. The second period saw the Ice’s forecheck overwhelm the Thunder, generating three unanswered goals to build a 4-1 lead. Though Perth scored early in the third, Melbourne answered twice to restore a four-goal cushion and close out the victory.
Melbourne’s offense found its rhythm after the first, scoring five of the final six goals. The 3-0 second period was the clear turning point, giving the Ice a lead they never relinquished.