Phil Janikowski had two goals and one assist to lead the Essex 73s to a 6-2 victory over the Dresden Kings.

Janikowski scored at 6:43 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex and again while 13:24 into the first to make the score 4-0 Essex.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 3:57 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.

Essex's penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and one major for 29 minutes in penalty time. The 73s had been averaging 19.0 minutes in penalties per game. Essex forced Dresden's goaltenders to work in net, taking 45 shots and forcing 39 saves. Braden Palocz made seven stops and Scott Tricker made 32.

Essex additionally got points from Tyler Turner, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Essex included Matthew Rosati, Jordan Ryan, and Daniel Slipchuk, who each put in one. In addition, Essex received assists from Eric Shaw, who had two, William Stadder, who had three, and Matt Zelko, Tyler Scott, Patrick Cuffaro, and Daniel McIntyre, who each chipped in one.

The Kings were often in penalty trouble, totaling eight minors and one major for 21 minutes in penalty time. Dresden surpassed its season average of 19.0 penalty minutes per game. The Kings did not challenge the opposing netminder, only getting 11 shots on net to force nine saves.

Dresden was led by Macks Holmes, who registered two goals. Holmes scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 8:39 into the second period to make the score 5-1 Essex. The Kings had taken the advantage when the 73s' Zelko got sent off for interference. Taylor Sisson assisted on the tally. Holmes' next tally on the power play made the score 6-2 Essex with 19:12 left in the third period. Dillon Liberty provided the assist. Other players who recorded assists for Dresden were Kevin Ritzer, who had one.

Essex's Noah Hedrick stopped nine shots out of the 11 that he faced. The 73s registered three goals on six power play opportunities. Essex ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Dallas Pereira was ejected from the game. Dresden registered two goals on eight power play opportunities. For the Kings, Graham Smyth was ejected from the game.