The Essex 73s had a two-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 4-1 win over the Dresden Kings.

After the loss made the series score 3-0 in the best of seven series, Dresden faces elimination next time out.

The Kings were stymied by Essex's netminder Noah Hedrick, who stopped 26 shots during the victory. Hedrick certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 1.82 entering the contest.

Dresden's power play was ineffective against the 73s' penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

Essex forced the Kings goalie Daniel Tonietto to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots.

The 73s were led by Matthew Hebert, who had one goal and one assist. Hebert scored short handed 14:05 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Essex was on a disadvantage when Matthew Rosati went off the ice for tripping. Tyler Scott picked up the assist. Essex additionally got points from Scott, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Essex included Nick Mainella and Anthony Cristofaro, who each put in one. More assists for Essex came via Alex Derksen, Phil Janikowski, Tyler Turner, and Daniel McIntyre, who contributed one each.

Dresden put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the 73s to score on any of their seven power plays.

The Kings were led by Derrick VanEvery, who scored the team's only goal. VanEvery scored on the power play 15:49 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Essex. Dresden had gained a power play chance when Hebert was whistled for cross checking. Dede Cato provided the assist.

Essex incurred 32 minutes in penalty time with 11 minors. Tonietto rejected 29 shots on goal for the Kings. Dresden incurred 28 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.