Perth Thunder survived a determined comeback attempt by Melbourne Ice on the way to a 3-2 win.

Perth Thunder took a 3-1 lead during the third period, only to have Melbourne Ice storm back on a Tim Johansson goal 12:39 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Perth Thunder was paced by Andrew Cox, who racked up one goal. Cox scored 9:46 into the third period to make the score 3-1 Perth Thunder. Justin Fox picked up the assist.

Perth Thunder's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Melbourne Ice power plays. The 26 shots that Perth Thunder put on net surpassed Perth Thunder's average of 3.1 shots per game this season.

Perth Thunder also had goals scored by Robert Haselhurst and Jordan Kyros, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Perth Thunder were Stuart Stefan, who had two and Corey Toy and Jamie Woodman, who contributed one each.

Melbourne Ice's offense was clicking better than usual and put 52 shots on goal during the game, better than the 3.5 shots per game it averages. Melbourne Ice struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as it finished the game with 54 penalty minutes for six opposing power plays.

More assists for Melbourne Ice came via Ross Howell and Jeremy Brown, who each chipped in one.

Mathieu Dugas recorded 50 saves for Perth Thunder. Perth Thunder incurred 30 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Melbourne Ice's Jaden Pine-Murphy stopped 23 shots out of the 26 that he faced.