The Essex 73s survived a determined comeback attempt by the Kingsville Comets on the way to a 4-3 win.

A goal by Dylan Solecki put Essex up 4-0 in the second period, but Kingsville pulled to within one on Justin Parker's tally 16:39 into the third period.

The win gave the 73s a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 12:42 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with three game misconducts.

Essex's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Kingsville power plays. The Comets were unable to stop the 73s from sending pucks towards the net, and Essex eventually piled up 45 shots on goal.

The 73s were helped by Colin Moore, who tallied one goal. Moore scored 13:17 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Scott Bromley picked up the assist. Essex also got points from Corey Beaulieu, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Jordan Brohman, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. More assists for Essex came via Blaise Baillargeon, Alex Garon, Matthew Hebert, and Daniel Slipchuck, who each chipped in one.

Kingsville additionally got points from Ryan Desjarlais, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Robert Jardine also scored for Kingsville. In addition, Kingsville received assists from Ryan Jones, Mark Fratarcangeli, Frank Desjardin, Mark Sobocan, and Daniel Beaudion, who contributed one a piece.

Trevor Wheaton rejected 22 shots on goal for Essex. The 73s totaled 19 minutes in penalty time with seven minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play. For Essex, Zack Miletic was ejected from the game. Kingsville's Lane Parent stopped 41 shots out of the 45 that he faced. The Comets ended with 24 minutes in penalty time with seven minors and two majors. Kingsville ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Steven Spada was ejected from the game.