The Essex 73s survived a determined comeback attempt by the Mooretown Flags on the way to a 2-1 win.

Essex made the score 2-0 on a goal by Matthew Hebert at 13 seconds in the third period, and Mooretown got as close as 2-1 when Nolan Riley scored 4:50 into the third period.

The win gave the 73s a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Essex was led by Hebert, who had one goal.

The 73s kept the Flags' goalie busy throughout the game, and Brandon Johnson made 35 saves on 37 shots.

Essex additionally got points from Tyler Scott, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, Essex received assists from Dalton Langlois, who had two.

More assists for Mooretown came via Alec Segers, who had one.

Trevor Wheaton made 18 saves for Essex on 19 shots. The 73s incurred 26 minutes in penalty time with three minors. Mooretown incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.