The Dresden Kings had trouble finding ways to stop the Essex 73s, which beat Kings, 5-1.

Essex was paced by Philip Janikowski, who grabbed one goal. Janikowski scored on the power play 12:45 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. The 73s had taken the advantage when Dresden's Graham Smyth got sent off for hooking. Dylan Solecki provided the assist.

Essex's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on five Dresden power plays. The 73s forced the Kings goalie Brent Paxton to work between the pipes, taking 46 shots. The defensemen of Essex were also effective in Dresden's zone, and came away with two goals.

Essex also got points from Colin DeLaet, who also registered one goal and one assist and Solecki, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Essex included Dan Mainella and Aaron Thibert, who each put in one. In addition, Essex received assists from Tyler Raymont, Daniel Slipchuck, and Chad Hedrick, who each chipped in one.

The Kings found themselves short handed often, totaling 42 penalty minutes and allowing 11 power plays.

Darien Ekblad made 18 saves for the 73s on 19 shots. Essex incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. Dresden's Paxton stopped 41 shots out of the 46 that he faced. The Kings ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Andrew France was ejected from the game.