The Mooretown Flags had trouble finding ways to stop the Essex 73s, which beat Flags, 9-0.

The win gave Essex a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

The 73s got the win behind a great game by Daniel McIntyre, who had one goal and two assists. McIntyre scored 11:08 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Scott Bromley provided the assist.

Mooretown fell victim to a deadly Essex power play, which ripped the Flags for four goals.

The 73s forced Mooretown's netminders to work without much rest, totaling 38 shots and forcing 29 saves. Brandon Johnson made 22 stops and Steven Taylor made seven. Essex's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on 11 Mooretown power plays. Team's forwards weren't the only contributers offensively, and the team's defensemen showcased their scoring touch with two goals.

Essex also got points from William Stadder, who also had one goal and one assist, Jordan Ryan, who also finished with two goals and two assists, and Michael Vieira, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Essex included Anthony Cristofaro, Tyler Scott, Mark MacPherson, and Dan Mainella, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for Essex were Eric Shaw and Matthew Hebert, who each chipped in one.

The Flags' offense were handcuffed by the 73s' defensive play, and Mooretown managed only 12 shots on goal during the game.

Noah Hedrick recorded 12 saves for Essex. The 73s incurred 34 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. The Flags ended with 31 minutes in penalty time with eight minors and one major. Mooretown ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Brett Thompson was ejected from the game.