William Stadder scored the go-ahead goal in the first period, and the Essex 73s held off the challenges of the Dresden Kings in a tough 3-1 win.

Essex took over the lead for good with a goal by Stadder at 2:28 in the first period. The 73s earned a power play opportunity when John Montgomery was put in the box for boarding. Scott Bromley provided the assist.

Dresden was stymied by Essex's netminder Noah Hedrick, who stopped 26 shots during the victory. The solid play of Hedrick will be reflected in his goals against average, which pre-game was 1.59.

The 73s' penalty kill excelled, as Essex gave up zero goals despite allowing 12 power plays.

The 73s' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 14 minors and one major for 43 minutes in penalty time. Essex had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. The 73s forced Kings' goalies to work all game long, totaling 41 shots and forcing 38 saves. Scott Tricker made 10 stops and Daniel Tonietto made 28. Essex stifled the Kings' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The 73s could not produce up to their normal offensive output. Essex averages 5.1 goals per game.

The 73s were helped by Eric Shaw, who registered one goal. Shaw scored on the power play 11:26 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Essex had taken the advantage when Dresden's Montgomery got sent off for interference. Jordan Ryan assisted on the tally. Essex additionally got points from Ryan, who also had one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Essex received assists from Matthew Rosati, Nick Mainella, Tyler Scott, and Matthew Hebert, who each chipped in one.

The Kings were held below their usual level of production. Dresden puts an average of 3.2 pucks into the net per game. The Kings could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 34 minutes in penalties during the game.

Dresden was led by Steven Funk, who scored the team's only goal. Funk scored 2:14 into the third period to make the score 2-1 Essex. Austin Bentley provided the assist.

The 73s registered three goals on seven power play opportunities. For Essex, Shaw and Tyler Turner were ejected from the contest.