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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Combs Gifts Swamp Rabbits with Overtime Winner

December 26, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Duluth, GA - Jack Combs scored the game-winning goal in overtime on Saturday as the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (14-12-3), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, earned a 3-2 victory against the Atlanta Gladiators (16-10-2) at the Infinite Energy Center.

Michael St. Croix and Richard Nejezchleb also collected goals in the victory, while P.J. Musico (7-3-1) made 34 saves for his team-leading seventh win between the pipes. The victory was Greenville's third in a row and second against Atlanta this season.

After a scoreless first period, the Gladiators took a 1-0 lead at 5:36 of the middle frame when Tyler Murovich recorded his 10th goal of the season. From the left point, Max Everson corralled the puck and fired a shot through traffic that Murovich tipped past Musico from the doorstep.

Greenville responded shortly after with a pair of second-period goals to take a 2-1 advantage. At the 7:46 mark, Nejezchleb capitalized on an impressive individual effort for his third goal of the season. The 21-year-old rookie created the attack by carrying the puck down the right wing before cutting through the blue paint and tucking a forehand shot past the right leg pad of Atlanta goaltender Matt Ginn. St. Croix and Scott Fleming notched the assists.

St. Croix gave the Swamp Rabbits their first lead of the game at the 18:19 mark with his fifth goal of the season. Sean Escobodo, who rejoined the club from AHL Hartford this afternoon, twirled away from Garry Nunn on the right side and fired a shot that was denied by a body in front. However, the puck caromed directly to St. Croix in the left circle who funneled a snap shot inside the left post and past Ginn's glove.

In the closing minutes of the third period, Gladiators' head coach Andy Brandt elected to pull Ginn for the extra attacker and it paid off with just 9.3 seconds remaining. After Musico stopped several high-percentage chances, Patrick D'Amico buried a wrister from slot for his seventh goal of the season to even the game at 2-2.

Combs sealed the deal at 3:32 of overtime on a 2-on-1 rush to register his team-leading 15th goal of the season. From the right wing, Nicholls carried the puck into the zone and slipped a pass across the low slot to Combs, where he finished for the 3-2 final.

Greenville finished the game 0-for-3 on the power play, but 4-for-4 on the penalty kill. Ginn made 31 saves in the loss, while Atlanta outshot Greenville 36-34.

Sunday Funday: The LAST Sunday home game of the season is tomorrow afternoon when the Swamp Rabbits rematch against Atlanta at 3 p.m. Take advantage of great savings with the Greenville News Family Fun Pack and enjoy a post-game skate with the ENTIRE team. The Greenville News Family Fun Pack features four (4) red-level tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) fountain drinks and two (2) Swamp Rabbits' foam fingers for just $60! Following the game, all fans are encouraged to stick around and skate with the team on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink. The club will also wear its specialty New York Rangers style uniforms.

Trolley On Over: Greenville's downtown trolley route has been extended to include a stop at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The expanded route will operate for all Swamp Rabbits' games taking place Thursdays through Sundays during normal trolley service hours.

Call 864-674-7825 or visit SwampRabbits.com for tickets. Bring a group of 15 or more out to a game and receive great discounts, merchandise offers and hospitality opportunities! Call a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive for more information! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear at the "Hop Shop" team store or visit the "Hop Shop" online at SwampRabbits.com/shop to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!

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