Rabbits Clinch First Postseason Berth Since 2017
May 28, 2021 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release
GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits punched their ticket to the 2021 Kelly Cup Playoffs behind a 4-1 victory against the Jacksonville Icemen. Greenville's playoff berth marks their first since 2017.
Matt Bradley opened the scoring at 8:57 after deflecting a shot from Patrick Bajkov inside the blue paint past Icemen goaltender Charles Williams. Greenville carried their 1-0 lead into the dressing room with an additional 9-4 shots advantage.
Next period, the Rabbits connected twice more to extend their lead to 3-0. Gordi Myer converted his fourth goal of the season on a delayed penalty at 11:59. Later in the stanza, Ben Finkelstein blasted home a bullet from the right circle with one minute remaining. On a 3-on-2 rush, Shawn Cameron dropped a perfect pass into Finkelstein's wheelhouse for the slapper. Finkelstein extended his point streak to 12 consecutive games.
Derek Lodermeier broke John Lethemon's bid for a shutout with his 15th goal of the campaign at 9:14 of the third period. Trevor Hamilton connected with Lodermeirer on a stretch pass along the left wing before Lodermeirer's shot beat Lethemon along his glove side.
Down 6-on-4 in the final two minutes, Garrett Thompson hit pay-dirt on a shorthanded, empty net marker at 18:04. Ryker Killins fumbled the puck at the Greenville blue line, and Thompson dove forward to spear the loose puck on target. Final shots finished 26-25 Icemen.
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits return to action on Saturday, May 29 against the Jacksonville Icemen. It's Fan Appreciation Night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The Rabbits will sport specialty Golf for Greenville themed jerseys presented by FLUOR. Fans in attendance will receive a team poster courtesy of Greenville Print Solutions. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Ticket information is available online at swamprabbits.com.
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