Sydney Lightning tried to dig itself out of a three-goal hole, but Melbourne Red Wings held on for a 4-3 victory.

Melbourne Red Wings took a 4-1 lead during the third period, only to have Sydney Lightning storm back on a Daniel Pataky goal 14:48 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Brendan McDowell was all over the ice for Melbourne Red Wings, as he finished with four goals in the win. McDowell notched his first tally 3:11 into the first period. He then added goals at 3:40 into the second and at 12:24 into the second.

Melbourne Red Wings put 15 shots on net during the contest, more than the 3.3 it averages per game. Melbourne Red Wings' penalty killing units received substantial work throughout the game as Melbourne Red Wings finished with 16 penalty minutes.

Other players who recorded assists for Melbourne Red Wings were Matthew Stringer, who had two and Brendan Knox and Daniel Hotriem, who each chipped in one.

The 30 shots that Sydney Lightning put on net surpassed Sydney Lightning's average of 3.0 shots per game this season.

Sydney Lightning was helped by Yucca Reinecke, who registered two goals. Reinecke scored the first of his two goals at 14:47 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Chris Shephard provided the assist. Reinecke's next tally made the score 4-2 Melbourne Red Wings with 15:27 left in the third period. Cameron Todd assisted on the tally. Sydney Lightning additionally got points from Pataky, who also tallied one goal and one assist. In addition, Sydney Lightning received assists from Hayden Sheard, who had one.

James McKendrick rejected 27 shots on goal for Melbourne Red Wings. Melbourne Red Wings registered zero goals on one power play opportunities. Marco Tomasello took the loss and made five saves before being replaced by Rhett Kelly who made six saves. Sydney Lightning incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.