Undaunted by a three-goal deficit, the Essex 73s battled back to claim a 7-5 victory over the Dresden Kings.

Essex let multiple leads slip away before eventually digging out of a three hole to pick up the win. The 73s took a 4-3 advantage on a goal by Dallas Pereira at 13:41 in the second period. Essex went down 3-0 after Dresden's Derek Daly put the puck home at 3:24 in the first period. After evening things up at 5-5 on a power play goal by Dillon Liberty at 5:47 in the third, the 73s got the game-winner from Phil Janikowski at 8:38 in the third period.

Janikowski had a great game for Essex, netting two goals.

The 73s' offense rang up 36 shots on the Kings' net. Essex's defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. The 73s average 1.9 goal allowed per game. Essex took advantage of Dresden's penalties, tallying four goals off of four power play opportunities. The 73s could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.

Essex additionally got points from Matthew Rosati, who also finished with one goal and two assists, Tyler Scott, who also racked up one goal and one assist, and Daniel Slipchuk, who also tallied one goal and one assist. William Stadder also scored for Essex. In addition, Essex received assists from Eric Shaw, who had two, Adam Gaiarin, who had three, and Jordan Ryan, Matthew Hebert, Tyler Turner, and Daniel McIntyre, who contributed one each.

The Kings were led by Macks Holmes, who grabbed one goal and two assists. Holmes scored 15 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 Dresden. Kevin Ritzer assisted on the tally. Dresden also got points from Taylor Sisson, who also registered one goal and one assist, Liberty, who also finished with one goal and one assist, Ritzer, who also had one goal and one assist, and Daly, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Dresden were Ross Krieger, who had two and Wade Esselment and Steven Funk, who each chipped in one.

Noah Hedrick took the win and made 18 saves before being replaced by Colin Lauzon who made zero saves. Scott Tricker recorded 29 saves for Dresden. The Kings incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.