Swamp Rabbits Drop Matinee Contest 2-1
February 21, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release
North Charleston, SC - Jordan Knackstedt netted his 12th goal of the season on Sunday but South Carolina's Stephan Vigier scored the game-winning tally with just 87 seconds left as the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (24-21-7), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, suffered a 2-1 loss to the Stingrays (30-17-6) at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Mackenzie Skapski played well and halted 35 of 37 shots for the Swamp Rabbits, while Vitek Vanecek made 29 saves in the win for the "Rays. It was South Carolina's third straight victory against Greenville after the Swamp Rabbits won five of the first six games in the season series.
After more than 40 minutes of scoreless hockey to begin the afternoon, Caleb Herbert put South Carolina on top at 1:53 of third period. From the right wing, Kelly Zajac tossed the puck near the front of the net where it was redirected by Herbert for his fourth goal in just five ECHL games this season.
The Swamp Rabbits answered at 12:16 of the third period when Knackstedt cleaned up a loose puck in the crease. Kodie Curran created chaos in front with a backhand shot from the right post that was pushed down by Vanecek, allowing Knackstedt to swat it in from the door step for the equalizer.
Vigier notched the game-winning goal on the power play at the 18:33 mark. With Darian Dziurzynski in the box for slashing, Brandon Magee smashed a one-time blast from the left point that Skapski pushed back in front. There, Vigier guided the second chance home past Skapski's left leg for his 16th goal of the season. It was also Vigier's fourth tally in the last three contests against Greenville.
In an attempt to re-tie the game, Skapski was pulled for the extra attacker in the final 57 seconds, but the game ended 2-1.
Greenville finished the game 0-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. The "Rays outshot the Swamp Rabbits 37-30.
Next Time Out: The Swamp Rabbits open another three-game weekend series on Friday with a 7:35 p.m. ET puck drop against the Wheeling Nailers at WesBanco Arena. Fans can follow all of the live action through ECHL.TV or the free Mixlr audio stream. The Official Road Watch Party Destination, the Palmetto Restaurant and Ale House located at 103 E. Beacon Drive in Greenville, will carry the game live beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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