Preview: Swamp Rabbits Return Home to Face Admirals Tonight
February 13, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release
THE STORY COMING IN
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (22-19-6), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, return to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena this evening to face the Norfolk Admirals (20-27-2) in the team's first home game since January 22, a span of 21 days. Greenville enters tonight's contest ranked fourth in the South Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference overall, two points behind Elmira. In their last outing on Saturday, the Swamp Rabbits completed a five-game road trip with a 5-2 setback to the Orlando Solar Bears. Vinny Saponari and Josh Nicholls each scored on special teams, while Mackenzie Skapski made 26 saves between the pipes. Tonight, Greenville seeks a return to the win column and will also look to snap a three-game slide on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink.
THE MATCHUP
Tonight's game marks the fourth of five meetings between the Swamp Rabbits and Admirals this season, and the second of two matchups at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Greenville currently trails the series 1-2-0, including a 3-0 setback in their last meeting on Dec. 5 at The Well. Bakersfield Condors (AHL) prospect Ty Rimmer led the way that night with 30 saves en route to his only shutout of the season, while Tommy Mele, Nick MacNeil and Scott Allen all scored for the visitors. That result followed Greenville's 6-0 win in Norfolk on Nov. 25, marking the only time this season the Swamp Rabbits have seen back-to-back shutouts against the same team.
VIEW FROM NORFOLK
The Admirals spent each of the last 15 seasons in the American Hockey League as the top farm team of the Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning, or Anaheim Ducks. They reached their peak in 2012 by winning in the AHL's Calder Cup Championship. However, on Jan. 29, 2015, it was confirmed the franchise would be relocated to San Diego (Gulls) and be replaced in Norfolk by the former Bakersfield Condors ECHL team. Led by head coach Eric Veilleux, the Admirals have turned a corner since the calendar flipped to 2016, going 10-6-0 since New Year's Day after starting the season 10-21-2. The Admirals enter tonight's contest fifth in the East Division and on a two-game slide, including a 4-2 setback last night at home against Reading. Forward Steven Whitney recorded a team-high two assists in the game, and now leads the club with 24 helpers, 35 points and a +9 rating. Tonight is Norfolk's final road game until Mar. 6.
MOVING ON UP
Since the Swamp Rabbits last played a game on Feb. 6, defensemen Sean Escobedo (Charlotte) and Charlie Dodero (Syracuse) each received a promotion to the American Hockey League, bringing the total number of Greenville call-ups this season to 24. In fact, 14 different players have been called up from the Swamp Rabbits this season. Dodero (4), Escobedo (2), Brian Hart (4), Jack Combs (2), Jeff Malcolm (2) and Darian Dziurzynski (2) have each been called up multiple times. Greenville completed the 2014-15 campaign with 16 call-ups among 14 different players. Note: Escobedo was returned to the team on Tuesday and will be in the lineup tonight.
LEADING THE HERD
Third-year forward Scott Fleming isn't the flashiest player on the ice, but he consistently gets the job done for Greenville. Fleming collected a team-high five points (2g, 3a) in two games last week and now leads the club in points (35), assists (22), power-play goals (5) and plus-minus (+12). In addition, he has 10 points (3g, 7a) in his last eight contests, dating back to Jan. 18, and is tied for the team lead with seven multi-point games.
BATTLING IN THE BURROW
The Swamp Rabbits will play three of their next four games at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, where the team will look to find its stride following recent struggles. Greenville has lost six of its last seven home games and has not won a home game outside of the division since Dec. 5 (4-3 win against Cincinnati). Tonight, the club will look to avoid dropping its fourth straight home game for the first time this season.
MILESTONES
Scott Fleming is one point shy of his 150th professional point... Rob Kwiet is one point away from his 200th professional point... Tonight is Vinny Saponari's 100th ECHL game.
AFFILIATE REPORT
New York Rangers (31-18-6, 2nd Metro): Next vs. Philadelphia - Tomorrow, 7:30 p.m. ET
Hartford Wolf Pack (24-22-2, 6th Atlantic): Next @ Bridgeport - Tonight, 7 p.m. ET
SOUTH DIVISION
1. Florida Everblades (32-14-1) = 65 points in 47 games
2. South Carolina Stingrays (26-16-6) = 58 points in 48 games
3. Atlanta Gladiators (26-17-5) = 57 points in 48 games
4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits (22-19-6) = 50 points in 47 games
5. Orlando Solar Bears (20-19-6) = 46 points in 45 games
Taking Flight: Let your Swamp Rabbits experience soar to new heights with the all-new GSP Airport Fun Zone package for families. Beginning tonight and continuing with every Saturday home game through the end of the regular season, fans are encouraged to purchase discounted adult tickets for just $10 in the GSP Airport Fun Zone (Section 119) and receive up to four (4) complementary kids tickets courtesy of the Greenville Spartanburg International Airport. Tickets are limited so secure yours today!
Rabbits and Tigers in Greenville...Oh My: The Swamp Rabbits, in conjunction with the Clemson University men's basketball program, will offer a "2-for-$22" ticket special for today's events at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The deal includes one (1) general admission ticket to the Clemson Tigers men's basketball game against Georgia Tech at 2 p.m. as well as one (1) red level seat to the Swamp Rabbits contest against Norfolk at 8 p.m. for just $22.
Reminder: The Swamp Rabbits are also offering a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) ticket offer for tonight's game to all individuals who present an unused game ticket from the January 22 game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena box office. Season ticket holders and group purchases should contact the Swamp Rabbits office directly at 864-674-PUCK (7825).
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