The Essex 73s took the lead against the Dresden Kings in the first period and maintained it until the end of the game to secure a tight 3-1 victory.

A goal 16:56 into the first period by William Stadder proved to be the game winner, and powered Essex to the victory. The 73s had gotten the advantage when Dresden's Brock Daugherty was sent off for holding. Michael Vieira picked up the assist.

Essex was led by goalie Trevor Wheaton, who finished with 35 saves while allowing one goal. Despite the solid performance, Wheaton will actually see his goals against average rise, as it stood at 0.79 entering the contest.

The Kings' power play was ineffective against the 73s' penalty kill, which allowed zero goals while shorthanded.

Essex put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Dresden to score on any of its six power plays. The 73s forced the Kings goalie Joel Sowinski to work between the pipes, taking 42 shots.

Essex was helped by Phil Janikowski, who grabbed one goal. Janikowski scored 17:06 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Essex. Tyler Boughner provided the assist. Essex additionally got points from Vieira, who also finished with one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. In addition, Essex received assists from Adam Gaiarin and Dallas Pereira, who contributed one each.

Dresden was held below its usual level of production. The Kings average 3.6 goals per game. The 73s were unable to stop Dresden from sending pucks towards the net, and the Kings eventually piled up 36 shots on goal.

Dresden was led by Derek Daly, who scored the team's only goal. Daly scored 17:45 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Essex.

Essex incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. The 73s ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Gaiarin was ejected from the game. Joel Sowinski made 39 saves for the Kings on 42 shots. Dresden incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.