Philip Janikowski lifted the Essex 73s to a 3-0 victory with a hat trick against the Belle River Canadiens.

Janikowski's first goal came 8:18 into the third period. He then added goals at 11:38 into the third and at 19:10 into the third.

The win by Essex broke a deadlock and gave the 73s a 2-1 advantage in the best of seven series.

Darien Ekblad spearheaded the defensive effort for Essex, as he did not allow a puck past him and made 40 saves for the shutout. Ekblad certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 1.96 entering the contest.

The 73s put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Belle River to score on any of its four power plays. Essex's offense rang up 32 shots on the Canadiens' net.

More assists for Essex came via Dylan Solecki, who had three and Tyler Raymont and Matthew Hebert, who each chipped in one.

The 73s were unable to stop Belle River from sending pucks towards the net, and the Canadiens eventually piled up 40 shots on goal. Belle River did not rack up many penalties in the contest, tallying only one minor for two minutes in penalty time.

Essex incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Mitch Topliffe rejected 29 shots on goal for the Canadiens.