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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Fire on All Cylinders in 6-1 Victory

March 5, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Greenville, SC - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (25-24-7), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, returned to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena with a flourish on Saturday, scoring five times in the first two periods and rolling to a 6-1 victory against the Atlanta Gladiators (29-21-7).

Josh Nicholls led the way with two goals and an assist, while Jack Combs (1g, 1a) and Joe Houk (3a) also registered a multi-point night. Between the pipes, Alain Valiquette was brilliant in his Greenville debut, stopping 46 of the 47 shots he faced in just his second professional start. The Swamp Rabbits' 47 shots allowed was one short of a season high.

With the win, the Swamp Rabbits improved to 12-10-6 on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink this season and snapped a six-game slide dating back to February 19. The victory was also Greenville's first in regulation at home since December 20.

The Swamp Rabbits took control early with two power-play goals in the opening frame including the first just 5:49 into the contest. Garett Bembridge made it 1-0 with his 14th goal of the season on a rebound from point blank. With Ian Barteaux in the box for hooking, Houk ripped a shot from the blue line that was deflected by Atlanta goaltender Kent Patterson, but Bembridge brushed home the second chance from the door step. Combs also earned an assist in his first game with the Swamp Rabbits since December 26.

Greenville extended its lead with less than two minutes remaining in the first period courtesy of Scott Fleming's 15th goal of the season. Following a scrap between Kodie Curran and Justin Buzzeo at the 16:47 mark, in which Buzzeo received an additional two minutes for roughing, Houk ripped a long-distance shot from the right point that was tipped by Fleming in front for a 2-0 edge. Richard Nejezchleb also earned an assist on the play at 18:10.

The Swamp Rabbits blew the game open in the middle frame, finding the net three times in the first 9:34. Andrew Dommett notched his second goal in as many games at 2:54 when he beat Patterson from point-blank range at the left post following a nifty centering feed from Nicholls behind the net.

Nicholls continued to impact the scoreboard by netting two goals in the next seven minutes. The third-year pro made it 4-0 at the 3:43 mark when he skated down the right wing and sniped a shot from the circle past Patterson's blocker. The goal chased Patterson from the cage as he was replaced by Brad Barone immediately after.

Nicholls scored again at 9:43, this time on the power play, to extend Greenville's lead to 5-0. With Barteaux in the box for slashing, Houk sent the puck to the right circle for Michael St. Croix, where he funneled a pass across to Nicholls at the left hash marks. There, the Rangers' prospect beat Barone with a low shot for his 15th goal of the season.

The Gladiators frustration continued at 11:27 of the second period when a goal was disallowed and head coach Andy Brandt was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Atlanta registered its only tally at 10:05 of the second period courtesy of Tyler Murovich, who scored his 16th goal of the season with a redirection at the doorstep following a precise pass by Thomas Frazee at the right point.

Combs capped the scoring at 7:27 of the third period following a takeaway in the Atlanta zone. The veteran forward received the puck in the slot and slipped a low backhand shot between Barone's five-hole for his team-leading 16th tally of the season.

Greenville finished the game 3-for-6 on the power play and 6-for-6 on the penalty kill. It was first time this season the Swamp Rabbits have scored three or more power-play goals in a single game. The contest also featured two third-period fights between Patrick D'Amico and Andrew Dommett at 10:52, and Barteaux and Ryan Rashid at the 11:52 mark.

Patterson (14-9-3) made 10 saves on 14 shots in the loss, while Barone halted 18 of 20 shots against. Atlanta outshot Greenville 47-34.

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