Allowing the Essex 73s to cash in on power play chances sank the Lakeshore Canadiens in a 7-2 defeat.

Essex was sparked by Phil Janikowski, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Janikowski scored on the power play 18:37 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Essex. The 73s had gained a power play chance when Logan Percy was whistled for slashing. William Stadder picked up the assist.

Essex forced Lakeshore's goaltenders to work in net, launching 41 shots and forcing 34 saves. John Jeffries made 24 stops and Colin Tetreault made 10. The 73s' defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.

Essex additionally got points from Matthew Rosati, who also racked up two goals and one assist to lead the team in points, Stadder, who also had one goal and one assist, and Tyler Scott, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Essex included Anthony Cristofaro and Matthew Hebert, who scored one goal each. In addition, Essex received assists from Adam Gaiarin, Scott Bromley, and Mark MacPherson, who each chipped in one and Jordan Ryan and Tyler Turner, who contributed two each.

The Canadiens forced their penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up nine minors and one major for 43 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 22.0 minutes per game Lakeshore had been spending in the box. The Canadiens were held below their usual level of production. Lakeshore averages 4.5 goals per game.

Lakeshore also got a goal from Sebastian Kanally as well. More assists for Lakeshore came via Riley Meyerink, Nick Tavolieri, and Cameron MacDougall, who each chipped in one.

Essex's starting goalie, Noah Hedrick, made 17 saves and finished with the win before he was taken out in favor of Colin Lauzon, who stopped four shots. The 73s incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with four minors. The Canadiens registered one goal on two power play opportunities. For Lakeshore, Tavolieri and Brenden Crundwell were ejected from the contest.