ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Road Warriors Weekly Report

Published on March 16, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


LAST WEEK'S RECAP

Overall Picture: The Greenville Road Warriors (31-27-4), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, took to the Sunshine State last week for their final multi-game road trip of the regular season, and earned one point in a trio of setbacks to the Florida Everblades at Germain Arena.

The results dropped Greenville out of a playoff position for the first time since early November. The Road Warriors are currently tied with Elmira for fifth place in the East Division, three points behind Orlando, heading into Week 21.

Greenville started the week with poise on Wednesday when the team bounced back from an early two-goal deficit to force overtime and notch one point. After falling behind 2-0 in the first five minutes, Ryan Hegarty scored a power-play goal in the second period and newcomer Anthony Luciani tied the game in the third to send it beyond regulation. Following an uneventful overtime session, Florida's Matt Marquardt and Gabriel Desjardins each beat Jason Missiaen in a four-round shootout, while the visitors came up empty against goaltender Anthony Peters.

On Friday, the Road Warriors outshot Florida by a whopping 34-19 margin, but could not solve netminder Matt Ginn in a 3-0 loss. Ginn was making his professional debut and proved to be strong from the beginning, despite seeing 16 shots in the first period to Missiaen's one. It was the second time in a six-day span that the Everblades had blanked Greenville with a rookie goaltender making his professional debut. Peters made 32 saves to shut out the Road Warriors on March 7th at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

The Warriors and 'Blades capped their three-game set, and nine-game season series, on Saturday when Adam Brace scored twice to help Florida capture a 4-2 victory. Vinny Saponari and Thomas Frazee each found the back of the net for Greenville, while its penalty kill went 5-for-5 in the setback. The Road Warriors finished the regular season just 1-7-1 against the first-place Everblades, who extended their winning streak to seven games.

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

Thursday, March 19th vs. Cincinnati (27-26-6), 7:00 p.m. ET

Friday, March 20th vs. Cincinnati (27-26-6), 7:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, March 21st vs. Indy (25-25-9), 7:00 p.m. ET

QUICK SHIFTS

Playoff Picture: Prior to this season, the ECHL Board of Governors announced changes to its Kelly Cup Playoff format for the 2014-15 campaign. Unlike the past several years, this season's format will include the top four teams from each division, rather than the top eight clubs in each conference. The Road Warriors are currently tied with Elmira for fifth place in the East Division, just three points behind Orlando, with 10 contests remaining in the regular season. Both Elmira (one) and Orlando (three) have games in hand on Greenville. No team in the East Division has clinched a playoff berth yet, but the Everblades are closest with 86 points. Florida needs 'four' points to clinch a playoff spot, while Reading needs 'seven' and South Carolina needs 'nine'. The Road Warriors have made the post-season in each of their first four years in the Upstate.

Feeling "Well": After playing 20 of its first 28 games on the road this season, Greenville will benefit down the stretch with eight of the team's final 10 games taking place at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. In addition, the only two road games during that stretch will occur just two hours away in Duluth, Georgia against the Gwinnett Gladiators. The Road Warriors are currently 16-12-0 on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink this season, but looking for their first win at home since February 14th.

Welcome to Greenville: The Warriors acquired forwards Thomas Frazee and Anthony Luciani last week in a pair of trades with Evansville and Gwinnett respectively, and each has already produced for Greenville. On Wednesday, Luciani scored the game-tying goal in his Road Warriors' debut and now paces the club with 22 goals this season. He is also tied with Vinny Saponari for the team-lead in points (59). Three days later, Frazee hammered home a rebound goal against the Everblades for his 32nd point this season. Both forwards are expected to be a vital piece of the Road Warriors' offense down the stretch.

East Division Standings

Florida Everblades (40-13-6) = 86 points in 59 games

Reading Royals (39-16-5) = 83 points in 60 games

South Carolina Stingrays (37-18-7) = 81 points in 62 games

Orlando Solar Bears (31-21-7) = 69 points in 59 games

Elmira Jackals (30-24-6) = 66 points in 60 games

Greenville Road Warriors (31-27-4) = 66 points in 62 games

Gwinnett Gladiators (17-39-5) = 39 points in 61 games

Follow: Keep up with the Road Warriors all season long and interact with other fans on the Official Road Warriors Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram pages.

"CDS Night": The Road Warriors return to SANDLAPPER Securities Rink at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena this Thursday for "CDS Night" presented by SANDLAPPER Securities. Fans can purchase special tickets for the game with a portion of the proceeds donated to The Center for Developmental Services by visiting GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com/CDS .

Thirsty Thursday! This Thursday's 7:00 p.m. contest will also feature $2 food and beverage specials as well as special $5 tickets available at the Box Office while supplies last. The Road Warriors will also offer the new "Student Rush" promotion featuring a blue-level, center-ice ticket and a personal pan pizza for just $15! The offer is available only at the Box Office to students who show a valid ID after 5:00 p.m. on March 19th.

Faith and Family Night: This Friday is "Faith and Family Night" presented by HIS Radio and Certified Automotive, featuring a special post-game concert performed by Christian artist Chris August, well-known for his No. 1 hit song "Starry Night." The evening will also include testimonials by Road Warriors' players who will talk about how their faith plays a role in their daily lives as professional athletes. In addition, the popular Warrior Fun Pack is available and provides a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy the game! The Warrior Fun Pack includes four (4) red-level tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) fountain drinks, four (4) bags of chips and two (2) Warriors drawstring bags for JUST $60! Tickets for "Faith and Family Night" can be purchased at GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com/Chris-August .

Race Night: Rev your engines up for "Race Night" this Saturday featuring a pre-game car show courtesy of the members of the Upstate Mustang Club. In addition, Matt Kenseth's #20 Dollar General NASCAR Toyota will be on display before and during the game on the Bon Secours Wellness Arena concourse. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. against Indy.

For tickets or more information, please call a Road Warriors Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK or visit GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com/tickets-overview.html F ans can listen or watch the games live via ECHL.TV .

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