A four-goal first period deficit cost the Kingsville Comets, which could not recover and fell to the Essex 73s, 9-3.

After the loss made the series score 3-0 in the best of seven series, Kingsville faces elimination next time out.

Sean Ducharme was all over the ice for Essex, as he tallied two goals and two assists in the win. Ducharme scored the first of his two goals at 9:33 into the first period to make the score 3-0 Essex. Dan Bacon provided the assist. Ducharme's next tally made the score 7-1 Essex with 2:33 left in the second period. Dylan Solecki assisted on the tally.

The 73s forced opposing goalies to work between the pipes, getting 39 shots and forcing 30 saves. Marcus Rees made 25 stops and Kyle Andrian made five. Essex excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances. The 73s surpassed their usual scoring output this season. This season, Essex averages six goals per contest.

Essex additionally got points from Colin DeLaet, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Essex included Jordan Brohman and Scott Bromley, who each put in one and Corey Beaulieu and Tyler Pope-Ferguson, who scored two goals each. Other players who recorded assists for Essex were Brian Hamlin, who had four and Blaise Baillargeon, Kevin Boggs, Tyler Raymont, Adam Dunmore, and Brett Beattie, who contributed one each.

The Comets found themselves short handed often, totaling 16 penalty minutes and allowing seven power plays. The leading offender was Cody Ray, who totaled four minutes in penalty time with two minors.

Kingsville was led by Tyler Kirby, who racked up two goals. Kirby scored the first of his two goals at 13:08 into the second period to make the score 5-1 Essex. Adam Minovski provided the assist. Kirby's next tally made the score 9-3 Essex with 1:23 left in the third period. Jeff Pillon also scored for Kingsville. In addition, Kingsville received assists from Maxwell Williams and Justin Parker, who each chipped in one.

The 73s' Taylor Speed stopped 18 shots out of the 21 that he faced. Essex incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.