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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Come up Short in 4-2 Loss to Admirals

April 6, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Norfolk, VA - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (28-32-10), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, surrendered three goals in a span of 1:58 in the second period on Wednesday and dropped a 4-2 decision to the Norfolk Admirals (30-35-5) at the Norfolk Scope.

Josh Nicholls and Tommy Thompson each scored for Greenville, while Steven Whitney (2g, 1a) and Alex Loiseau (1g, 2a) combined for six points for the Admirals. The loss was the Swamp Rabbits' eighth in a row (0-6-2) dating back to March 20 at South Carolina.

Norfolk opened the scoring at 4:50 of the first period with Whitney's 22nd goal of the season. From the right wing, Robbie Czarnik slipped a feed to Whitney at the doorstep, whose back was facing the net. Whitney gathered the pass, turned, and backhanded a shot that was stuffed by goaltender Alain Valiquette, but the rebound popped loose and Whitney capitalized on a similar backhand chance.

Nicholls evened the score at 12:16 of the opening frame on a brilliant individual effort against a pair of former Greenville players. During a 2-on-2 rush, Nicholls carried the puck down the right wing, deked, and then muscled his way past defenseman Wes Cunningham. He continued the play by forcing a low shot past the right leg pad of goaltender Nic Riopel while still tied up with Cunningham. It was Nicholls' 19th goal of the season, which also extended his point streak to a team-best seven games.

Greenville produced its only lead of the night when Thompson scored his second goal in as many games with a power-play tally at 16:39 of the second period. With Danick Gauthier in the box serving a four-minute double minor for high sticking, Nicholls and Scott Fleming teamed up to find Thompson in the right circle where he hammered home a one-timer past Riopel's glove. It was Thompson's second professional goal and Fleming extended his point streak on the road to eight games with a helper.

Not to be denied, the Admirals responded with three goals in a span of 1:58 to grab a 4-2 advantage after 40 minutes. Braden Christopher netted his 12th tally of the season at the 17:27 mark when he converted on a series of tape-to-tape passes in the offensive zone. Gabriel Verpaelst created the chance when he skated down the right wing and guided a crisp pass to Gauthier on the left side. Gauthier immediately recycled the puck to the right post where Christopher nudged home the equalizer.

Whitney notched his second tally of the game just 33 seconds later when he beat Valiquette blocker side with the help of Loiseau's assist at the 18:00 mark. Those two then teamed up to cap the scoring at 19:25 resulting in Loiseau's his 14th goal of the season. From the left side, Whitney carried the puck through the circle but had it stripped on his way to the crease. However, a trailing Loiseau gathered the loose puck and beat Valiquette short side.

The game included one tilt at 17:27 of the first period when Justin DaSilva recorded one of his best fights of the season against Chris Williams, connecting on a pair of upper cuts with his right fist.

Greenville finished the game 1-for-6 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. Valiquette (4-4-0) made 26 saves in the setback, while Riopel stopped 32 shots in Norfolk's win.

The Swamp Rabbits outshot the Admirals 34-30.

Next Time Out: The Swamp Rabbits return to SANDLAPPER Securities Rink at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Friday for the team's final home game against the Atlanta Gladiators at 7 p.m. It's Fan Appreciation Night presented by the Hilton Greenville, which belongs entirely to the fans and will include giveaways at every whistle, an appearance by former Clemson football star and future NFL Draft pick Kevin Dodd, the Kelly Cup, and more.

A special $10 lower-level ticket is being offered for the game and can be purchased in advance by calling the Swamp Rabbits front office at 864-674-PUCK or by clicking here. There will also be dozens of prizes given away from both the team and its great partners, including the Badcock Furniture recliners used for the "Best Seats in the House." The grand prize features a trip for four (4) to University Studios Orlando with airfare and hotel accommodations included courtesy of the Hilton Greenville. In addition, all fans in attendance can enter for a chance to be one of the numerous winners of a Swamp Rabbits game-worn jersey! The night will kick off with a pre-game Fan Fest beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the plaza that will feature $2 beers and will be highlighted by a meet and greet with Dodd.

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