The Essex 73s were firing on all cylinders against the Dresden Kings, and when the final buzzer sounded 73s emerged with a 7-1 win.

Kevin Boggs had one goal and two assists to lead Essex. Boggs scored on the power play 6:29 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Essex. The 73s had taken the advantage when Dresden's Jesse Allen got sent off for slashing. Blaise Baillargeon provided the assist.

The Kings' power play was ineffective against Essex's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

The 73s were often in penalty trouble, totaling 10 minors and two majors for 30 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 22.0 minutes per game Essex had been spending in the box. The 73s forced Dresden's netminders to work hard to keep the puck out of the net, taking 47 shots and forcing 40 saves. Brent Paxton made 22 stops and Kaylobe Derynck made 18. Essex outdid its season average for goals scored. The 73s have scored at the pace of 4.7 goals per game during the current campaign. Essex had trouble converting on the power play advantage, managing just two goals on 10 chances. The 73s got an offensive boost from their blueliners, who contributed two goals during the game.

Essex additionally got points from Baillargeon, who also registered one goal and one assist, Corey Beaulieu, who also tallied one goal and two assists to lead the team in points, and Jordan Brohman, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Adam Dunmore also scored for Essex. More assists for Essex came via Jordan Ryan and Colin Moore, who each chipped in one and Alex Garon and Aaron Thibert, who contributed two a piece.

The the Kings penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 12 minors and one major for 39 minutes in penalty time. Dresden had been averaging 27.0 minutes in penalties per game.

The Kings were led by Dylan Mertz, who scored the team's only goal. Mertz scored on the power play 10:35 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Dresden earned a power play opportunity when Garon was put in the box for too many men. Allen picked up the assist.

Trevor Wheaton made 21 saves for Essex on 22 shots. Team's Moore and Zack Miletic were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game. The Kings ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Taylor Sisson was ejected from the game.