73's topple Canadiens; take over first place in Stobbs Division

If the first two games between the Essex 73's and the Lakeshore Canadiens is any indication of what's to still come this season between the two teams, then fans are in for a treat.

Nash Giles scored early in the third period as the Canadiens had just killed off a minor penalty carried over from period two and the 73's would hold on to win, 3-2.

Lakeshore opened the scoring on a screen shot from the point that eluded 73's goaltender Jacob Vancoillie.

Essex responded a 26 seconds later with one of their own as Josh Lepain snapped a wrister over the shoulder of Canadiens goalie Nolan Meadows to knot the game at one.

Lakeshore made it 2-1, 2:06 seconds later as Noah Giudice tipped a shot from the point past a helpless Vancoillie.

Essex would tie things up midway through the second period as Cael McCabe banged in his first of the season on a goal-mouth scramble.

The turning point of the game was when Kyle Green of Lakeshore was assessed a high sticking penalty with 1:18 left in the middle frame. That penalty carried over into the third period and with the 73's pressing, Giles got a shot past meadows just as the Canadiens penalty expired to give the 73's a 3-2 lead.

Both teams opened things up in the third, and as it was throughout the entire game, both goaltenders played well to keep their respective teams in the game.

in the end, it was Essex getting the better of Lakeshore for the second time in as many tries this season.

Essex will travel to Dresden on Friday night to take on the Kings in hopes of extending their win streak to 12 games.