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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Preview: Swamp Rabbits Battle Gladiators Tonight

November 12, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


THE STORY COMING IN

Following a brief three-game road trip, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (3-7-0) return to SANDLAPPER Securities Rink at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena tonight to continue their I-85 rivalry series against the Atlanta Gladiators. Greenville looks to regain its stride and jump back into the win column after suffering six consecutive setbacks, most recently on Sunday in a 5-0 loss to the Reading Royals in Reading, Pennsylvania. The Swamp Rabbits outshot the Royals 30-28 in the contest, but former Greenville netminder Connor Knapp halted every chance he faced en route to his third professional shutout. It was the second time the Swamp Rabbits have been blanked this season.

NIGHT ON THE TOWN

One of the Swamp Rabbits' most popular weekly promotions, "Thirsty Thursday" is back and makes its season debut tonight! Select tickets start at just $5 when purchased at the box office and Hockey Happy Hour features $2 draft beers on tap from 6-8 p.m. In addition, $2 soft drink and food specials will run throughout the evening!

THE MATCHUP

Tonight's contest marks the second of 15 meetings between the Swamp Rabbits and Gladiators this season, and the second of eight matchups in the Upstate. Atlanta currently leads the season-series 1-0-0 after Glads' captain Derek Nesbitt scored twice to lead the visitors to a 3-2 victory on October 30. All three of Atlanta's goals came on the power play, while Ryan Rashid and Brian Hart each scored for Greenville. The Swamp Rabbits went 9-2-0 against the Gladiators last season and lead the all-time series 41-25-5. Atlanta will be Greenville's most common opponent in 2015-16.

VIEW FROM ATLANTA

Head coach Andy Brandt's club has won five of its last six contests including a three-game sweep of the Idaho Steelheads out west, vaulting Atlanta into a tie for second place in the South Division. However, the Glads are coming off an 8-2 loss at home to Florida on Tuesday, in which goaltender Matt Ginn allowed five goals on 20 shots and was pulled at the 33:29 mark. Atlanta is led in scoring by its 33-year-old captain Derek Nesbitt with nine points (7g, 2a). Nesbitt's seven goals also paces the team, and is tied for second among all ECHL goal-scorers.

HE'S GOT HART

Rookie forward Brian Hart is off to a hot start in his professional career, leading Greenville with four goals in his first nine appearances. Hart is also tied for third among all league rookies in goal-scoring. Prior to turning pro, the 21-year-old spent three seasons at Harvard and collected 18 goals in 98 games. He was selected in the second round (#53) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and signed a three-year, entry-level contract on June 28, 2015.

TRENDING TOPICS

The Swamp Rabbits are 3-7-0 through their first 10 games this season, but don't hit the panic button just yet. Since the team's relocation in 2010, it's been slow out of the gate more times than not and typically finds momentum as the first half progresses. Greenville began the 2013-14 season 3-6-0 and ranked near the bottom of the league in goals for and shots against, and had been outscored 45-36. That team went on to make the Kelly Cup Playoffs and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE

The Swamp Rabbits received goaltender Jeff Malcolm from AHL Hartford on Monday and expect him to play this weekend. The 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star selection spent 55 games with Greenville over the past two seasons, posting a 30-19-4 record with a 2.70 goals-against-average and .916 save percentage during that span. Malcolm went 1-1-0 with a 2.38 goals-against-average and .906 save percentage in three starts with Hartford this season.  

QUICK HITS

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Daniel Walcott was reassigned to Greenville on Tuesday and is expected to make his ECHL debut tonight... The Swamp Rabbits scored at least three goals in each of their first four games, but have earned two goals or less in each of their last six... Greenville is 0-for-23 on the power play since Oct. 24... Jack Combs is three games from his 400th pro appearance.

AFFILIATE REPORT

New York Rangers (11-2-2, 1st Metropolitan): Next vs. St. Louis - Tonight, 7 p.m. ET

Hartford Wolf Pack (6-7-1, 4th Atlantic): Next at Portland - Friday, 7 p.m. ET

Scholars Book Club Night: Area students who completed the "Six for Sticks Challenge," part of the Swamp Rabbits' Scholars Book Club Program, will receive one (1) Buy One Get One Free voucher to Saturday night's contest against the Adirondack Thunder. In addition, all teachers receive two (2) free tickets to the game to recognize their class' participation. The Swamp Rabbits will recognize the students and teachers and will celebrate all of the kids who achieved their reading goals! The first 2,000 kids 12 and younger through the doors will also receive a Swamp Rabbits' school kit, including a pencil pouch, ruler and more.

Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits all season long and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team's official Facebook and Twitter pages.

Trolley On Over: Greenville's downtown trolley route has been expanded to include a stop at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The deviated 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!

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics

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