With eight round games left, starting with a double header against the Sydney Ice Dogs away on Friday and the Sydney Bears at home on Saturday, the second-placed Northstars have reached the last third of the season.

And coming off back-to-back losses to ladder leaders Canberra on the weekend, Malloy said his squad must strive to "get better" between now and the play-offs in Newcastle on August 31 and September 1.

"Every game is a new game," he said.

"It's a bit of a relief that last weekend is behind us and we can focus on the run home.

"We're up to the last third of the season and we want to keep getting better.

"There's a danger now that you can become complacent or stagnant."

Malloy admitted that defending champions Canberra are the benchmark for this year's competition, but reckons the Northstars didn't "play to our potential" in 3-2 and 4-2 defeats.

"You live and learn," he said.

Newcastle have yet to beat the Brave in 2019. The top-two teams meet again next month.

This weekend the Northstars are missing Patrick Ward, who broke his hand while playing on Sunday. Tomas Landa remains out with concussion.

"We're still nursing a few injuries," Malloy said.

The Northstars overcame the Bears 3-1 in their latest meeting in Sydney on July 12. Newcastle won earlier encounters 3-2 and 4-3.

Both battles with the Ice Dogs have finished 5-4 in favour of the Northstars.

Friday is at Macquarie Ice Rink (7:30pm) and Saturday is at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium (5pm).