Josh Lodatto scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and Florida Eels held off the challenges of the Salem Ice Dogs in a tough 7-5 win.

Lodatto provided Florida Eels with the game-winning tally when he scored 17:39 into the the first period. Max Mazzullo assisted on the tally.

With four goals and two assists between them, Lodatto and Keanu Gallegos teamed up to power Florida Eels' offense. Lodatto grabbed two goals and one assist and Gallegos also notched two goals and one assist.

Florida Eels outdid its season average for goals scored. This season, Florida Eels averages 4.8 goals per contest.

Florida Eels also got points from Brian Dennerlein, who also tallied one goal and three assists to lead the team in points and Gallegos, who also racked up two goals and one assist. Daniel Boyd also scored for Florida Eels. More assists for Florida Eels came via Joshua DeLezenne, Mark Marsala, and Nick Cormier, who each chipped in one.

Salem's goal total was higher than its season average. The Ice Dogs have scored at the pace of 2.5 goals per game during the current campaign. Salem could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 24 minutes in penalties during the game.

The Ice Dogs were helped by Nicholas Latham, who had two goals and one assist. Latham scored the first of his two goals at 43 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-1. Justin McKelvey provided the assist. Latham's next tally made the score 2-1 Salem with 17:30 left in the first period. Christopher Minter assisted on the tally. Salem additionally got points from Minter, who also grabbed one goal and one assist and Tom Laus, who also finished with one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Salem also got a goal from Bobby Mullins as well. Other players who recorded assists for Salem were George Winer, who had two.

Ryley Hynes took the win and made 17 saves before being replaced by David Bryant who made three saves. Florida Eels incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Salem's starting goalie, Shawn Horton, made 15 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Bradley Radin, who stopped six shots. The Ice Dogs registered two goals on six power play opportunities.