Melbourne Blackhawks survived a determined comeback attempt by Sydney Lightning on the way to a 4-3 win.

A goal by Paul Lazzarotto put Melbourne Blackhawks up 4-2 in the third period, but Sydney Lightning pulled to within one on Yucca Reinecke's tally 12:36 into the third period.

Melbourne Blackhawks managed to stay out of the box better than usual, registering one minor for two minutes in penalty time. Melbourne Blackhawks finished below its season average of 15.0 penalty minutes per game. Melbourne Blackhawks put 31 shots on net during the contest, more than the 2.7 it averages per game.

Melbourne Blackhawks also got points from Austin McKenzie, who also racked up one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. More assists for Melbourne Blackhawks came via Daniel Szalinski and Jack Carpenter, who each chipped in one.

Sydney Lightning's offense was clicking better than usual and put 23 shots on goal during the game, better than the 3.9 shots per game it averages.

Sydney Lightning was helped by Chris Shephard, who finished with two goals. Shephard scored the first of his two goals at 1:43 into the second period to make the score 1-0 Sydney Lightning. Reinecke assisted on the tally. Shephard's next tally made the score 2-1 Sydney Lightning with 8:59 left in the second period. Casey Kubara picked up the assist. Sydney Lightning additionally got points from Reinecke, who also tallied one goal and one assist. In addition, Sydney Lightning received assists from Jake Knott, who had one.

Mackenzie Hill made 20 saves for Melbourne Blackhawks on 23 shots. Melbourne Blackhawks registered zero goals on two power play opportunities. Rhett Kelly recorded 27 saves for Sydney Lightning. Sydney Lightning incurred 36 minutes in penalty time with three minors and had no power play opportunities. Sydney Lightning ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Shephard was ejected from the game.