ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Preview: Swamp Rabbits Complete Road Trip in Orlando

Published on February 4, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


THE STORY COMING IN

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (21-18-6), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, conclude a five-game road swing this weekend with their first trip to the Amway Center since Opening Night to face the Orlando Solar Bears (17-18-6). Greenville has won seven of its last 10 road games and enters tonight's matchup ranked fourth in the South Division - one point behind South Carolina. In their last outing on Saturday, Andrew Dommett and Joe Houk each scored in the second period as the Swamp Rabbits topped Florida, 2-1, in Estero. Houk's goal at the 16:15 mark was the first game-winner of his two-year career. Between the pipes, Mackenzie Skapski made 25 saves on 26 shots.

THE MATCHUP

Tonight's game marks the seventh of nine meetings between the Swamp Rabbits and Solar Bears this season, and the second of four matchups in the Sunshine State. Greenville is 3-1-2 against Orlando this season with its only regulation loss coming in Florida on Oct. 17. Since then, the Swamp Rabbits have earned at least one point in five straight games versus Orlando, including a 7-4 victory in their last meeting on Dec. 20 in Greenville. Josh Nicholls led the way that afternoon with a season-high four points (1g, 3a) and Michael St. Croix also chipped in with three assists. Greenville went 5-3-2 against the Solar Bears last season and is 15-12-5 in the all-time series.

VIEW FROM ORLANDO

Head coach Anthony Noreen's club has struggled lately with four straight losses (0-3-1), dropping the Solar Bears eight points behind Greenville in the South Division standings. Orlando enters tonight's contest ranked fifth in the division and coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to Manchester last Friday, in which Rylan Schwartz recorded his sixth multi-point game (1g, 1a) of the season with the Bears in just his 14th appearance. Eric Faille, who was called up to AHL Toronto on Saturday, also logged an assist and continues to lead the team in points (41), goals (17) and plus-minus (+8). He is tied for ninth in the league's point scoring race overall. The Solar Bears conclude a five-game homestand this weekend.

KILLING IT ON THE KILL

The Swamp Rabbits' penalty kill went 7-for-8 last weekend and continues to impress over the middle portion of the 2015-16 season. Since New Year's Eve, Greenville has gone 39-for-43 (90.7%) on the penalty kill overall (14-game span) and is tied for ninth in the ECHL with just 12 power-play goals allowed on the road.

LEADING THE CHARGE

The 1-2 punch of Scott Fleming and Michael St. Croix has combined for 10 points over the last six games, dating back to Jan. 18. Both forwards have five points during that span and currently rank first and second on the team respectively in scoring (among active players). Fleming leads Greenville with 30 points, five power-play goals and a +10 rating, while St. Croix has notched 28 points and has moved into the top spot for assists with 20 helpers on the season.  

NARROWEST OF MARGINS

Twelve of the Swamp Rabbits' last 17 games have been decided by just a single tally, including seven of their last 11 contests in the South Division. However, only two of the six meetings between Greenville and Orlando this season have been decided by one goal. Greenville is 13-5-6 in one-goal games this year.

REINFORCING THE BLUE LINE

Defensemen Kodie Curran and Charlie Dodero returned to the Swamp Rabbits this past week following stints in the American Hockey League with Hartford and Syracuse respectively. Curran, 26, played 14 games with the Wolf Pack and posted two assists and a pair of fights since his call-up on Dec. 14. Meanwhile, Dodero, 23, has been promoted to the Crunch three separate times this season and has recorded four penalty minutes in seven games.

QUICK HITS

 - Josh Nicholls leads the Swamp Rabbits' active roster with seven multi-point games.

 - The season-series between Greenville and Orlando has seen 51 total goals (29 goals for).

 - The Swamp Rabbits' power play has scored one goal in its last 35 chances (13-game span).

AFFILIATE REPORT

New York Rangers (27-18-5, 2nd Metropolitan): Next vs. Minnesota - Tonight, 7 p.m. ET

Hartford Wolf Pack (23-20-2, 6th Atlantic): Next @ Portland - Tomorrow, 7 p.m. ET

SOUTH DIVISION

1. Florida Everblades (30-12-1) = 61 points in 43 games

2. Atlanta Gladiators (25-17-3) = 53 points in 45 games

3. South Carolina Stingrays (22-16-5) = 49 points in 43 games

4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits (21-18-6) = 48 points in 45 games

5. Orlando Solar Bears (17-18-6) = 40 points in 41 games

Rabbits and Tigers in Greenville...Oh My: The Swamp Rabbits, in conjunction with the Clemson University men's basketball program, announced Monday 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).

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics

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ECHL Stories from February 4, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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