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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Preview: Swamp Rabbits Close out Season against Atlanta

April 8, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


THE STORY COMING IN

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (28-32-10), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, face the Atlanta Gladiators (33-30-7) in their final home game of the season tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Greenville enters the contest on a season-long eight-game slide (0-6-2) dating back to March 20, including a 4-2 setback to the Norfolk Admirals on Wednesday. Josh Nicholls and Tommy Thompson each scored that night, but the Admirals responded with three goals in a span of 1:58 in the second period to win the game and clinch the season-series. Between the pipes, Alain Valiquette made 26 saves on 30 shots but suffered his fourth straight loss.

HOME SWEET HOME

The Swamp Rabbits will also look to end a season-long five-game losing streak on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink in tonight's home finale. Greenville is 13-14-8 at home this season, but hasn't won since March 11 against Florida. The team is 2-2-1 in home finales dating back to 2010.

THE MATCHUP

Tonight's game marks the 14th of 15 meetings between the Swamp Rabbits and Gladiators this season, and the eighth and final matchup at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Greenville is 6-5-2 against Atlanta this season and has points in four straight games, including a 5-0 win in their last meeting on March 19 in Duluth, Georgia. The Swamp Rabbits received goals from five players that night, while Mackenzie Skapski made 29 saves for his first ECHL shutout. Greenville went 9-2-0 against Atlanta last season and continues to lead the all-time series 46-29-7.

VIEW FROM DULUTH

Head coach Andy Brandt's club is fourth in the South Division and 11th in the Eastern conference with 73 points in 70 games this season. The Gladiators enter tonight's contest with two wins in their last three games, but are coming off a 3-0 setback to South Carolina on Sunday. Despite the shutout, captain Derek Nesbitt has recorded 11 points (3g, 8a) in his last seven games and is tied for eighth in league scoring with 61 points overall. He also leads Atlanta in goals (27) and assists (34). Between the pipes, Matt Ginn leads the club in wins (16) and goals-against-average (2.84).    

WATCHING THE NICHOLLS ADD UP

New York Rangers prospect Josh Nicholls is a key piece to Greenville's top offensive line that has flourished in recent weeks. The 23-year-old is on a team-best seven-game point streak entering the final two games and has recorded 10 points (3g, 7a) during that span. Nicholls is third on the team in goals (19), points (43) and multi-point games (12). He is also on a three-game point streak at home dating back to March 31.

MR. CONSISTENT

Centering the Swamp Rabbits' top line is third-year forward Scott Fleming, who had a season-best seven-game point streak snapped last Friday against Kalamazoo. Still, the 28-year-old boasts 13 points (4g, 9a) in the last 10 games and ranks second on the club with 13 multi-point contests this season. In addition, Fleming leads Greenville in points (55), assists (34), plus-minus (+19) and is tied for first in power-play goals (6) this season. He has played all but one game for the Swamp Rabbits this season (69).

JACK'D UP

Despite sitting out Wednesday's game in Norfolk with an upper-body injury, veteran scoring threat Jack Combs has been on a tear since mid-March. Combs has recorded 11 goals in his last 10 games and seven multi-point efforts during that span. Overall, the 28-year-old has notched 19 points (11g, 8a) in his last 11 contests. He leads the Swamp Rabbits in goals (27) and multi-point games (16) despite playing just 40 contests in the ECHL this season. In fact, Combs is tied for fifth in league goal-scoring despite playing so few games.

QUICK HITS

The Swamp Rabbits are tied for 10th in the ECHL with eight shorthanded goals scored... Greenville is tied for fifth with 17 games being decided beyond regulation... Tommy Thompson has scored in two straight games - his first two professional goals since turning pro on March 25 out of St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York...Greenville has played either Atlanta or South Carolina in every home finale since the franchise relocated in 2010.

AFFILIATE REPORT

New York Rangers (45-27-9, 4th Metropolitan): Next vs. Detroit - Tomorrow, 12:30 p.m. ET

Hartford Wolf Pack (37-30-3, 6th Atlantic): Next @ Springfield - Tonight, 7 p.m. ET

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!

Tonight is Fan Appreciation Night presented by the Hilton Greenville, which belongs entirely to the fans and will include giveaways at every whistle, an appearance by former Clemson football star and future NFL Draft pick Kevin Dodd, the Kelly Cup, and more.

A special $10 lower-level ticket is being offered for the game and can be purchased in advance by calling the Swamp Rabbits front office at 864-674-PUCK or by clicking here. There will also be dozens of prizes given away from both the team and its great partners, including the Badcock Furniture recliners used for the "Best Seats in the House." The grand prize features a trip for four (4) to University Studios Orlando with airfare and hotel accommodations included courtesy of the Hilton Greenville. In addition, all fans in attendance can enter for a chance to be one of the numerous winners of a Swamp Rabbits game-worn jersey! The night will kick off with a pre-game Fan Fest beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the plaza that will feature $2 beers and will be highlighted by a meet and greet with Dodd.

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