Allen, Mertz Help Kings Down 73s
Jeremy Griffore of the Dresden Kings faces off against Essex – Photo David DeHoey
Allen opened the scoring in the first period on the powerplay with assists going to Mertz and Josh Beatty.
In the second frame, Mertz scored a shorthanded goal and an even strength marker to keep the Kings ahead 3-2 heading into the third period. Essex stayed in the game scoring two powerplay goals in the period.
As the third period got underway, Dresden went back on the powerplay, and found the same result as they did in the first, with Allen scoring assisted by Mertz and Beatty. The assist was Mertz’s fourth point in the game.
Putting pressure on late, Essex pulled their goalie and were able to score once to bring the game to 4-3, but Dresden would kill off the final minute of the game, holding on for the win.
Brent Paxton was again excellent for the Dresden Kings making 44 saves, as his team was outshot 47-23 by the 73s.
Dresden now faces Kingsville Saturday night on the road.