The 73's have grabbed a 2-0 lead in their best of seven series by blasting the Dresden Kings 7-1 last night.
William Stadder paced Essex with a hat trick, while Riley Meyerink chipped in with a pair of goals.
Cody Leeming and Wyatt O'Neil added the other Essex goals.
Jax D'hondt made 212 saves to earn the win in goal for the 73's, which will play back in Dresden Friday night in game three of the series.
Derek Shaw scored the only goal for the Kings last night, with just 1:23 remaining.
The first game in the other Stobbs Division semi-final between the Canadiens and Mooretown goes Friday night in Lakeshore.