The Bulldogs began the scoring as Andrew Brown hit the back of the net off an assist from Kyle George and Randy Cox at 1:28 of the first period.
In the second period, the Dreadnaughts (9-10-2, 3-3-1 Southeastern Conference) tied the game at 1-1 as junior Chris Carrender scored at 8:35 of the frame. Picking up an assist on the play for Dexter was junior Mike Clutterbuck and sophomore Matt Stirling.
The tie didn't last long, as Chelsea's Matt Heinen scored 25 seconds later off an assist from Riley Feeney and Andy Korc giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 advantage
In the third period, the Dreadnaughts battled back as Clutterbuck scored tying the game at 2-2 3:49 into the frame. Carrender and Stirling recorded assists on the goal for Dexter.
As it did the last time the Dreadnaughts tied the score, Chelsea answered quickly as Cox turned the lamp on 17 seconds later posting the game-winner unassisted at 4:06 of the third period.
The Bulldogs out-shot Dexter 44-22 for the contest.
Dreadnaught coach Gary Howell said Chelsea outworked his club.
"The difference in the game was they (Chelsea) wanted it more than we did," he said. "They seemed to win all of the battles. We did not do all the little things to win. It wasn't our best game. It was disappointing."
Though losing, Howell said Dexter senior goaltender Nick Ceccoloni played well.
"He made a lot of saves for us," he said. "He kept us in the game."
Last Saturday, the Dreadnaughts regrouped defeating visiting Milford 5-1.
"They (Milford) have beaten some pretty good teams this year," Howell said. "We showed up to play."
Dexter started out strong as junior Zach Lucas scored a power play goal at 3:45 of the first period. Senior Austin Shapiro picked up an assist on the play for the Dreadnaughts.
In the second period, Milford's Kasey Mardis scored at 9:34 of the frame tying the contest at 1-1. Mike Whiteman assisted on the goal for the Mavericks.
At 8:11 of the second period, Carrender put Dexter up for good scoring a goal off an assist from Stirling and Clutterbuck for a 2-1 Dreadnaught lead.
In the third period, Stirling scored at 13:48 upping Dexter's margin to 3-1. Junior Zeke Duke and Clutterbuck recorded an assist on the play for the Dreadnaughts.
Lucas scored his second goal of the game at 6:59 of the third period giving Dexter a commanding 4-1 lead. Shapiro assisted for the Dreadnaughts.
To close out the night, senior Andrew Hatch scored on the power play at 1:14 for the game's final tally. Sophomore Brian Zhou and junior Mike Herter picked an assist on the goal for Dexter.
Milford out-shot the Dreadnaughts 33-21.
Earning the win between the pipes for Dexter was Ceccolini.
Howell said the Dreadnaughts' performance was much better against the Mavericks than earlier in the week versus Chelsea.
"I've been stressing to the guys to play tougher and to have an attitude around the net," he said. "We needed to be stronger on the puck."
Howell said he was pleased with Dexter's effort last Saturday.
"The kids did a good job of playing tough," he said. "We were able to win the little battles. Basically, all the things we did wrong against Chelsea, we did right against Milford."
The Dreadnaughts next host New Boston Huron Saturday in the regular season finale at 7:30 p.m.
Dexter begins Division 3 state tournament play competing in a pre-regional at the Arctic Coliseum in Chelsea. The Dreadnaughts take on Jackson Lumen Christi at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in a first round pre-regional match-up. Chelsea faces Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard at 5 p.m. in the other first round game.
On Feb. 28, the two first round winners will play in the pre-regional championship at 6:30 p.m. at the Arctic Coliseum.
Sports Editor Don Richter can be reached at 475-1371 or at drichter@heritage.com.
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