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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Preview: Swamp Rabbits Open Road Trip Tonight in Adirondack

December 29, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


THE STORY COMING IN

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (14-12-4), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, open a four-game road trip through the East Division tonight with their third and final meeting against the Adirondack Thunder (17-6-2). Greenville enters tonight's contest on a four-game point streak (3-0-1) and with points in six of its last seven games overall. Ryan Rashid and Scott Fleming each scored a power-play goal last Sunday, but it was Atlanta's power play unit that netted the game-winner in overtime in a 3-2 Swamp Rabbits' setback. Between the pipes, Allen York made a season-high 42 saves in the loss. Greenville is just four points behind Atlanta for third place in the South Division, and five points behind South Carolina for second.

THE MATCHUP

Tonight's contest marks the third and final meeting between the Swamp Rabbits and Thunder this season, and the second of two matchups in New York. The series is currently knotted 1-1-0 after Adirondack netminder Drew Fielding shut out the Swamp Rabbits 2-0 on November 29. Greenville won the inaugural meeting at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on November 12 with a 3-2 decision, in which Jack Combs, Tyler Elbrecht and Brian Hart each scored.

VIEW FROM GLENS FALLS

Led by head coach Cail MacLean, the Thunder have won 17 of their first 25 games and are tied for second in the East Division with Elmira, three points behind Manchester for the top spot. Adirondack is also tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference (36 points), but has played the fewest games in the conference at this point in the year. Last time out, the Thunder were blanked for the first time this season in a 2-0 loss at Manchester on Sunday. Between the pipes, Ken Appleby made 24 saves on 26 shots. Despite the setback, Appleby is tied for 11th among league goaltenders with a 2.35 goals-against-average and is fourth in minutes played (1,072) and fifth in saves (469). Adirondack opens a two-game homestand tonight, where the team has lost just three games all season.

SOUND OF MUSICO

Penn State product P.J. Musico has been a steady presence in the Greenville net this season and continues to turn heads as the season rolls on. The 25-year-old rookie leads all Swamp Rabbits' goaltenders with seven wins and ranks 16th among league netminders with a 2.41 goals-against-average. Musico is also 4-1-0 on the road this season with an impressive 1.89 goals-against-average in six appearances. He has won each of his last three starts overall, dating back to December 19.

DODERO RETURNS

Third-year defenseman Charlie Dodero was returned from AHL Syracuse yesterday, where he made two appearances this season. The 23-year-old also played 19 games with the Swamp Rabbits earlier this year, producing three assists and 39 penalty minutes. Last season, Dodero collected five points (1g, 4a) in 36 contests with Syracuse, and 12 points (3g, 9a) in 33 games with the Idaho Steelheads.

MOVING ON UP

Forwards Jack Combs and Josh Nicholls were each promoted to AHL Hartford on Sunday, raising the total number of call-ups for the Swamp Rabbits this season to 20 among 14 different players. Combs led Greenville in goals (15), assists (16) and points (31), and was third in the league's point scoring race overall prior to his call-up. In addition, Combs is tied for the league-lead in goal scoring following his game-winner against Atlanta on Saturday. Nicholls has also been a key offensive threat this season, ranking second on the team in goals (10) and third on the club in points (21).

QUICK HITS

Michael St. Croix (1g, 5a) and Ryan Rashid (1g, 2a) are each on a three-game point streak dating back to December 20... Greenville has eclipsed the six-goal mark seven times this season, and six times since November 25 alone... The Swamp Rabbits are 14-2-2 when scoring at least three goals, 11-1-2 when scoring at least once on the power play and 10-1-2 when leading after the second period.

AFFILIATE REPORT

New York Rangers (20-13-4, 2nd Metropolitan): Next at Tampa Bay - Tomorrow, 8 p.m. ET

Hartford Wolf Pack (13-16-2, 7th Atlantic): Next vs. Portland - Tonight, 7 p.m. ET

WATCH LIVE

Fans can follow all of tonight's action live through ECHL.TV and the free Mixlr audio stream. The Swamp Rabbits' Official Road Watch Party Destination, the Palmetto Restaurant and Ale House on Beacon Drive, will also carry the game on three television screens beginning at 7 p.m. tonight.

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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ECHL Stories from December 29, 2015


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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