The Essex 73s had a two-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 5-1 win over the Dresden Kings.

The win gave Essex a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Phil Janikowski had a great game for the 73s, netting two goals. Janikowski found the back of the net 4:46 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Essex and again while 8:27 into the second to make the score 3-1 Essex.

Essex's Noah Hedrick was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 29 saves and let only one puck past him. Hedrick managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 1.75 prior to the game.

The 73s' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on 13 Dresden power plays. Essex forced Dresden goalie Scott Tricker to work between the pipes, taking 38 shots.

Essex additionally got points from Jordan Ryan, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Daniel Slipchuk, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Essex also got a goal from Daniel McIntyre as well. In addition, Essex received assists from Scott Bromley, Mark MacPherson, and Tyler Turner, who contributed one each and Matthew Rosati and Nick Mainella, who each chipped in two.

The Kings were led by Justin Melo, who scored the team's only goal. Melo scored 4:42 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Essex. Dillon Liberty assisted on the tally.

The 73s totaled 53 minutes in penalty time with 14 minors and one major and went 2-for-8 on the power play. Scott Tricker made 33 saves for Dresden on 38 shots. The Kings incurred 32 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors. For Dresden, Taylor Sisson was ejected from the game.