Swamp Rabbits Weekly
February 9, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release
LAST WEEK'S RECAP
Overall Picture: The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (22-19-6), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, kicked off the month of February last week by splitting a pair of games with the Orlando Solar Bears in Central Florida. Entering Week 17, Greenville continues to sit fourth in the South Division standings and now ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of Elmira.
The Swamp Rabbits opened the week in thrilling fashion when Jordan Knackstedt went top shelf and buried the game-winning goal with just 3.3 seconds remaining in a 6-5 victory at the Amway Center on Thursday. Knackstedt's game-winner was one of three unanswered goals in the third period, lifting Greenville to a come-from-behind win and helping the team eclipse the 50-point mark this season. Knackstedt (2g, 1a), Scott Fleming (2g, 1a), Kodie Curran (3a) and Bretton Cameron (2a) all chipped in multiple point efforts on the night.
Forty-eight hours later, the Swamp Rabbits completed their five-game road trip with a 5-2 loss to Orlando on Saturday. Vinny Saponari and Josh Nicholls each scored on special teams for Greenville, while Solar Bears' netminder Ryan Massa halted 38 shots between the pipes. It was Orlando's first win at home since January 2, which snapped the Swamp Rabbits' two-game winning streak.
UPCOMING GAMES
Saturday, Feb. 13 vs. Norfolk (20-26-2) - 8 p.m. ET
QUICK SHIFTS
Picking Up Steam: Third-year forward Scott Fleming isn't the most flashy player on the ice, but his consistent performance has certainly provided some sizzle for the Swamp Rabbits. The 28-year-old 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, Fleming has 10 points (3g, 7a) in his last eight contests, dating back to January 18, and is tied for the team lead with seven multi-point games.
Moving On Up: Since the Swamp Rabbits last took the ice on Saturday, defensemen Sean Escobedo (Charlotte) and Charlie Dodero (Syracuse) each earned another 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 promoted multiple times. Greenville completed the 2014-15 campaign with 16 call-ups among 14 different players.
Scouting the Admirals: The Swamp Rabbits return to SANDLAPPER Securities Rink at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Saturday for an 8 p.m. puck drop against the Norfolk Admirals. Saturday's contest will mark the fourth of five meetings between the two clubs this season, and the second of two matchups in the Upstate. Greenville is 1-2-0 against Norfolk overall. The Admirals have turned a corner since the calendar flipped to 2016, going 10-5-0 during that span after starting the season 10-21-2. Former Everblades' forward Steven Whitney leads the club with 33 points and a +8 rating, and is tied for the team-lead with 22 assists. Meanwhile, Scott Allen has a team-high 12 goals and is tied for second among ECHL rookies with six power-play tallies.
News and Notes: Kodie Curran's three assists against Orlando on Thursday marked a career high for the rookie defenseman... Greenville is 12-6-1 when scoring first and 13-1-2 when leading after two periods... The Swamp Rabbits are fourth in the ECHL with 53 third-period goals... The club is tied for third in the league with 12 games being decided beyond regulation... The team's penalty kill is 44-for-49 over the last 16 games (89.8%).
SOUTH DIVISION
1. Florida Everblades (31-13-1) = 63 points in 45 games
2. Atlanta Gladiators (26-17-4) = 56 points in 47 games
3. South Carolina Stingrays (24-16-5) = 53 points in 45 games
4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits (22-19-6) = 50 points in 47 games
5. Orlando Solar Bears (18-19-6) = 42 points in 43 games
Swamp Rabbits Live!: Don't miss out on the next edition of the Swamp Rabbits Live! Coaches Show this Thursday, February 11 from 7-8 p.m. at the Palmetto Restaurant and Ale House (103 E. Beacon Drive) in Greenville. Forward Michael St. Croix will join broadcaster Alan Fuehring and head coach Brian Gratz for the monthly, interactive show live on location.
Rabbits and Tigers in Greenville...Oh My: The Swamp Rabbits, in conjunction with the Clemson University men's basketball program, are offering a "2-for-$22" ticket special for events at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13, 17 and 19. 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. Both events will take place at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on February 13.
The teams will also offer this special for their respective nights honoring the community's first responders and military personnel. For $22, fans may also purchase a package that includes a general admission ticket to the Tigers' February 17 First Responders Night contest against Boston College and a red level ticket to the Swamp Rabbits' February 19 Celebrate Greenville/Heroes Night game against South Carolina. The offer is only available at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena box office.
Reminder: The Swamp Rabbits are offering a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) ticket offer for their next home game on February 13 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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