Swamp Rabbits Earn Point in Overtime Loss
December 11, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release
Greenville, SC - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (11-11-3), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, fought back from a pair of one-goal deficits to earn a point on Friday, but fell to the Orlando Solar Bears (10-8-4), 3-2, when Jack Rodewald scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
Jack Combs and Jordan Knackstedt each registered a regulation goal for Greenville, while P.J. Musico (4-3-1) made 34 saves in the setback. The Swamp Rabbits also fell to 7-6-2 on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink.
Orlando struck first at 14:28 of the opening frame when Eric Baier skated through the right circle and forced a shot to the doorstep, which was redirected in the blue paint. Musico scrambled to cover the puck, but it slipped underneath the netminder's leg pads and into an open cage. Baier was credited with his sixth goal of the season, while brothers Ryan and Matt Rupert recorded the assists.
After more than 25 minutes of scoreless play, the Swamp Rabbits responded in the final half-minute of the second period to even the game 1-1. With Knackstedt in the box for roughing, Greenville capitalized on a shorthanded chance when Combs slammed home his team-leading 11th goal of the season. From the right side, Combs wristed an initial chance that was denied by goaltender Ryan Massa, but the rebound caromed back to Combs, who converted from below the hash marks. It also marked Comb's 400th professional point.
The Solar Bears regained their lead at 7:26 of the third period when Brady Vail collected his eighth goal of the season. From the left corner, T.J. Foster raced to the puck and guided a crisp centering feed to the doorstep, where the puck redirected off Vail's skated and past Musico to make it 2-1.
Knackstedt leveled the score yet again just 44 seconds later when he completed a tie-tac-toe attack with his third goal of the season. From the high slot, Sean Escobedo pushed the puck to Brian Hart on the left side, who immediately brushed a pass to Knackstedt at the back door for the tally at 9:10 mark.
In overtime, Rodewald sent the Solar Bears to victory lane with his fourth goal of the season. Foster entered the zone on the left wing before moving the puck to the right side for Rodewald. There, the rookie forward was denied by a diving save from Musico, but cleaned up the second chance for the 3-2 final.
The contest also included a pair of tilts, which occurred simultaneously in the middle frame. At the 8:18 mark, Knackstedt dropped the gloves with Max Nicastro and landed some heavy right fists, while Troy Donnay and Carl Neilson went head-to-head as well.
Greenville finished the game 0-for-3 on the power play, but 4-for-4 on the penalty kill. Massa (5-4-0) made 28 saves in the win, while the Solar Bears outshot the Swamp Rabbits 37-30. Â
Next Time Out: The Swamp Rabbits return to action tomorrow night with a 7:05 p.m. puck drop against the South Carolina Stingrays at the North Charleston Coliseum. Fans can follow all of the live action online via ECHL.TV or through the free Mixlr app.
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!
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