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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Preview: Swamp Rabbits Meet Stingrays Tonight

February 16, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


THE STORY COMING IN

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (23-19-6), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, open an important four-game series against the South Carolina Stingrays tonight with a 7:05 p.m. puck drop at the North Charleston Coliseum. Greenville enters the contest ranked fourth in the South Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Elmira for the final playoff spot. Last time out, the Swamp Rabbits bounced back from an early two-goal deficit to beat the Norfolk Admirals in overtime, 4-3, on Saturday at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Scott Fleming led the way with his second game-winning goal of the season, while Vinny Saponari, Jordan Knackstedt and Kodie Curran also scored in the victory. Mackenzie Skapski made 27 saves on 30 shots between the pipes.

THE MATCHUP

Tonight's game marks the sixth of 11 meetings between the in-state rivals this season, and the fourth of six matchups at the North Charleston Coliseum. Greenville currently leads the season-series 4-1-0 including a 4-3, come-from-behind victory in their last meeting on Jan. 23 in North Charleston. Bretton Cameron capped a three-point performance (1g, 2a) with the game-winning goal early in the third period, while Joey Holka also notched a career high three points (1g, 2a) in the win. The Swamp Rabbits went 4-9-1 against South Carolina last season and are 42-37-3 in the all-time series.    

VIEW FROM NORTH CHARLESTON

Led by head coach Spencer Carbery, the Stingrays are on a league-best seven-game point streak (6-0-1) and have improved to second in the South Division after going 3-0-1 in four games against Central Division opponents last week. In their last outing on Saturday, Austin Fyten scored twice and Vitek Vanecek made 21 saves to lead the Stingrays to a 4-1 win over Wichita. Joe Devin and Brett Cameron also added goals, the latter of which extended his point streak to six games (5g, 4a). Cameron is now tied for third among ECHL rookies with 16 goals, and is seventh among first-year players with 37 points. Between the pipes, both Vanecek and Mark Dekanich rank among the league's goaltending leaders, as South Carolina ranks third in the league with 2.35 goals-against per game.

COMEBACK KIDS

Each of the Swamp Rabbits last four victories have been recorded in come-from-behind fashion, beginning with their 4-3 win against South Carolina on Jan. 23. Overall, Greenville's resiliency has been an ongoing trend this season with 12 of the team's 23 victories coming after facing a deficit at some point. Last Saturday's win against Norfolk was also the third time this season the Swamp Rabbits have emerged victorious when trailing after two periods.

LEADING THE HERD

Swamp Rabbits' leading scorer Scott Fleming netted the game-winning goal, and added an assist, Saturday against Norfolk and has now recorded multiple points in three consecutive games. The third-year pro has notched seven points (3g, 4a) during that span and 12 points (4g, 8a) in his last nine contests overall. Fleming leads the club in points (37), assists (23), power-play goals (5), plus-minus (+14) and shots (111). He also collected his 150th professional point on Saturday.

QUICK HITS

After fighting Norfolk defenseman Wes Cunningham on Saturday, Justin DaSilva is now tied for second among ECHL rookies with six major penalties... Greenville is tied for second in the league with 13 games being decided beyond regulation... The Swamp Rabbits have scored 54 goals in the third period, tied for fourth in the ECHL... Allen York is still searching for his first win at home this season, but is 5-3-0 on the road with a 2.98 goals-against-average and .904 save percentage.  

CLOSE CALLS

Five of Greenville's last six games have been decided by one goal or less, which has also been the case in four of the Swamp Rabbits five contests against South Carolina this season. Greenville is 15-5-6 in one-goal games this season, but just 2-4-0 when the outcome is decided by two goals or less.

PARTY AT PALMETTO

Palmetto Restaurant and Ale House, the Official Road Game Watch Party Destination of the Swamp Rabbits located at 103 E. Beacon Drive in Greenville, will stream tonight's game live beginning at 7 p.m. Fans can also follow all of the action at home or on the go through ECHL.TV or the free Mixlr app.

AFFILIATE REPORT

New York Rangers (32-18-6, 2nd Metropolitan): Next vs. Chicago - Tomorrow, 8 p.m. ET

Hartford Wolf Pack (25-23-2, 6th Atlantic): Next vs. Providence - Tomorrow, 7 p.m. ET

SOUTH DIVISION

1. Florida Everblades (33-14-1) = 67 points in 48 games

2. South Carolina Stingrays (27-16-6) = 60 points in 49 games

3. Atlanta Gladiators (26-18-5) = 57 points in 49 games

4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits (23-19-6) = 52 points in 48 games

5. Orlando Solar Bears (22-19-6) = 50 points in 47 games

Taking Flight: Let your Swamp Rabbits experience soar to new heights with the all-new GSP Airport Fun Zone package for families. During every Saturday home game through the end of the regular season, fans are encouraged to purchase discounted adult tickets for just $10 in the GSP Airport Fun Zone (Section 119) and receive up to four (4) complementary kids tickets courtesy of the Greenville Spartanburg International Airport. These special tickets are limited and can be purchased online through SwampRabbits.com!

Heroes Night - Celebrate Greenville: The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the place to be this weekend as the Swamp Rabbits return home to face South Carolina. Two of the season's biggest promotions will be packed into one evening, featuring Heroes Night and Celebrate Greenville on Friday at 7 p.m. The Swamp Rabbits will recognize and honor the brave men and women who serve, or have served, our community and country as first responders and soldiers. The Swamp Rabbits will also wear specialty uniforms during the game that will be auctioned online following the contest through Sunday, Feb. 21 at midnight. In addition, the Swamp Rabbits will recognize the leaders and businesses that make Greenville great. Tickets start at just $12 and the Greenville News Family Fun Pack is also available, including four (4) tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) fountain drinks and two (2) foam fingers for just $60! Get yours now!

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 the events on February 17 and 19 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The deal includes one (1) general admission ticket to the Clemson Tigers men's basketball game against Boston College on Wednesday as well as one (1) red level seat to the Swamp Rabbits contest against South Carolina on Friday for just $22. The offer is only available at the box office.

CDS Night: The Swamp Rabbits are excited to partner with the Center of Developmental Services on Saturday, Feb. 20 for CDS Night presented by SANDLAPPER Securities, LLC. The team will sport specialty warm-up jerseys courtesy of SANDLAPPER Securities, which will be available in a silent auction on the concourse during the game to benefit CDS. In addition, fans are encouraged to purchase a blue or red level ticket at SwampRabbits.com/promotional-schedule/ and $2 of every ticket sold will go back to CDS.

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 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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