ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Battle Back for Point in OT Loss

December 31, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Manchester, NH - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (15-12-5), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a point for the sixth consecutive game, but fell in overtime, 3-2, to the Manchester Monarchs (20-11-1) on New Year's Eve.

Jordan Knackstedt and Scott Fleming each scored a power-play goal in the final five minutes of regulation, while Gasper Kopitar netted the game-winner at 1:33 of overtime at Verizon Wireless Arena. Despite the loss, the Swamp Rabbits are (4-0-2) in their last six games and have collected at least one point in eight of their last nine games overall.

It took nearly 56 minutes for either team to find the back of the net as Manchester opened the scoring at 15:26 of the second period. Attempting to clear the zone, Darian Dziurzynski pushed the puck to the right point, where Matt MacKenzie stopped it and unleased a blast that sailed over goaltender Mackenzie Skapski's right shoulder and into the cage.

Maxim Kitsyn extended Manchester's lead at 6:30 of the third period with his 10th goal of the season. Alex Roach created the attack from the right corner when he forced the puck to Kitsyn at the half wall, where the third-year pro walked to the slot and slipped a low shot under Skapski to make it 2-0.    

The Swamp Rabbits turned the tide late in regulation with a pair of 6-on-4 goals to even the score at 2-2. Following a crucial four-minute double minor against Alex Roach, head coach Brian Gratz opted to pull Skapski for the two-man advantage. It paid off as Knackstedt cut the deficit to one with his sixth goal of the season at the 16:55 mark. From the left circle, Knackstedt received a pass from Ryan Rashid and buried a sharp one-timer into the top right corner of the net over the glove of goaltender Colin Stevens.

Just 97 seconds later, Fleming jammed home the game-tying goal on a busy scramble in front during another 6-on-4, empty-net attack. Rob Kwiet and Richard Nejezchleb each recorded an assist, giving the latter nine points (3g, 6a) in his last nine games.

In overtime, Manchester stole the show at the 1:55 mark when Yann Sauve fired a shot from the blue line that Kopitar tipped on its way through for the 3-2 final.

The contest included two fights: Bretton Cameron vs. Matt Harlow (16:34 of the second period) and Charlie Dodero vs. Stefan Legein (19:26 of the final frame). Between the pipes, Stevens (7-4-0) made 23 saves in the win, while Skapski (0-2-1) halted 27 chances in the setback.

Manchester outshot Greenville 30-25.

Next Time Out: The Swamp Rabbits continue a four-game road trip on Saturday with a 3 p.m. puck drop against the Monarchs at Verizon Wireless Arena. Fans can follow all of the 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 beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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!

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics



ECHL Stories from December 31, 2015


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