ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Weekly

Published on February 15, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


LAST WEEK'S RECAP

Overall Picture: The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (23-19-6), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, earned a gritty, come-from-behind victory against the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday in their lone game last week at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

After facing a two-goal deficit late in the first period, Greenville stormed back with four of the game's final five tallies en route to a 4-3 overtime win on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink. Scott Fleming (1g, 1a) kept his hot streak alive with the game-winner at 3:04 of overtime, while Vinny Saponari, Jordan Knackstedt and Kodie Curran also scored for the Swamp Rabbits. Between the pipes, Mackenzie Skapski made 27 saves on 30 shots to collect the victory.

The hard-fought, physical matchup included numerous scrums right from the get-go and 70 combined penalty minutes, 54 of which came in the opening period.    

Greenville enters Week 18 ranked ninth in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Elmira for the final playoff position. However, the Swamp Rabbits have two games in hand on Elmira as well as seventh-place Reading. Orlando currently sits 10th in the Eastern Conference with one game in hand on Greenville, and a league-best five-game winning streak dating back to Feb. 6.

UPCOMING GAMES

Tuesday, Feb. 16 at South Carolina (27-16-6) - 7:05 p.m. ET

Friday, Feb. 19 vs. South Carolina (27-16-6) - 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, Feb. 20 vs. South Carolina (27-16-6) - 7 p.m. ET

Sunday, Feb. 21 at South Carolina (27-16-6) - 3:05 p.m. ET

QUICK SHIFTS

Leading the Herd: Swamp Rabbits' leading scorer Scott Fleming netted the game-winning goal, and added an assist, on Saturday and has now recorded multiple points in three consecutive games. The third-year pro has notched seven points (3g, 4a) during that span and 12 points (4g, 8a) in his last nine contests overall. Fleming leads the club in points (37), assists (23), power-play goals (5), plus-minus (+14) and shots (111). He also collected his 150th professional point on Saturday.

Comeback Kids: The Swamp Rabbits have earned each of their last four wins in come-from-behind fashion. Overall, Greenville's resiliency has been an ongoing trend this season with 12 of the team's 23 victories coming after the Swamp Rabbits trailed at some point during those contests. Saturday's win was the third time this season the Swamp Rabbits have emerged victorious when trailing after two periods.

Scouting the "Rays: Greenville will open a monster four-game series against in-state rival South Carolina on Tuesday. The series will feature two games at Bon Secours Wellness Arena and two in North Charleston. The Swamp Rabbits are 4-1-0 against the Stingrays this season including a 4-3 victory on the coast in their last meeting on January 23. Overall, South Carolina enters Tuesday's game ranked second in the South Division and tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference, eight points ahead of Greenville. The "Rays are on a league-best seven-game point streak (6-0-1) including a 4-1 victory against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, in which forward Austin Fyten scored twice and Vitek Vanecek made 21 saves. Forward David Pacan also chipped in an assist and now leads the club with 28 helpers and 44 points, tying him for 10th in the ECHL's point scoring race. Vanecek is 11th in the league with a 2.29 goals-against-average in 20 appearances.        

News and Notes: Vinny Saponari played his 100th ECHL game on Saturday... Justin DaSilva fought former Greenville defenseman Wes Cunningham on Saturday and is now tied for second among ECHL rookies with six major penalties... Greenville is tied for second in the league with 13 games being decided beyond regulation... The Swamp Rabbits have scored 54 goals in the third period, tied for fourth in the ECHL... Allen York is still searching for his first win on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink this season, but is 5-3-0 on the road with a 2.98 goals-against-average and .904 save percentage.  

SOUTH DIVISION

1. Florida Everblades (33-14-1) = 67 points in 48 games

2. South Carolina Stingrays (27-16-6) = 60 points in 49 games

3. Atlanta Gladiators (26-18-5) = 57 points in 49 games

4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits (23-19-6) = 52 points in 48 games

5. Orlando Solar Bears (22-19-6) = 50 points in 47 games

Taking Flight: Let your Swamp Rabbits experience soar to new heights with the all-new GSP Airport Fun Zone package for families. During every Saturday home game through the end of the regular season, fans are encouraged to purchase discounted adult tickets for just $10 in the GSP Airport Fun Zone (Section 119) and receive up to four (4) complementary kids tickets courtesy of the Greenville Spartanburg International Airport. These special tickets are limited and can be purchased online through SwampRabbits.com!

Heroes Night - Celebrate Greenville: The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the place to be this weekend as the Swamp Rabbits return home to face South Carolina. Two of the season's biggest promotions will be packed into one evening, featuring Heroes Night and Celebrate Greenville on Friday at 7 p.m. The Swamp Rabbits will recognize and honor the brave men and women who serve, or have served, our community and country as first responders and soldiers. The Swamp Rabbits will also wear specialty uniforms during the game that will be auctioned online immediately following the contest through Sunday, Feb. 21 at midnight. In addition, the Swamp Rabbits will recognize the leaders and businesses that make Greenville great. Tickets start at just $12 and the Greenville News Family Fun Pack is also available, including four (4) tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) fountain drinks and two (2) foam fingers for just $60! Get yours now!

Rabbits and Tigers in Greenville...Oh My: The Swamp Rabbits, in conjunction with the Clemson University men's basketball program, are offering a "2-for-$22" ticket special for the events on February 17 and 19 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The deal includes one (1) general admission ticket to the Clemson Tigers men's basketball game against Boston College on Wednesday as well as one (1) red level seat to the Swamp Rabbits contest against South Carolina on Friday for just $22. The offer is only available at the box office.

CDS Night: The Swamp Rabbits are excited to partner with the Center of Developmental Services on Saturday, Feb. 20 for CDS Night presented by SANDLAPPER Securities, LLC. The team will sport specialty warm-up jerseys courtesy of SANDLAPPER Securities, which will be available in a silent auction on the concourse during the game to benefit CDS. In addition, fans are encouraged to purchase a blue or red level ticket at SwampRabbits.com/promotional-schedule/ and $2 of every ticket sold will go back to CDS.

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

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ECHL Stories from February 15, 2016


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