ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Weekly

Published on March 28, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


LAST WEEK'S RECAP

Overall Picture: The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (28-29-9), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, suffered a trio of losses in the Sunshine State last week and dropped nine points behind Elmira for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with six games remaining in the regular season.

On Wednesday, Jack Combs scored twice for the second consecutive game, but Orlando's Rylan Schwartz netted two goals of his own, helping the Solar Bears to a 6-3 victory in the series finale at the Amway Center. Aside from Combs, Josh Nicholls also found the back of the net for the Swamp Rabbits, while Schwartz (2g, 2a) joined Denver Manderson (3a) and Johnny McInnis (1g, 2a) with multiple points for Orlando. The Solar Bears sealed the victory with three goals in the third period.

The road trip shifted to Germain Arena on Friday where Florida's Greg Gibson recorded a hat trick in his professional debut as the Swamp Rabbits dropped a 7-2 decision to the Everblades. Combs and Garett Bembridge each scored for Greenville, but Florida netted four goals in the third period including three tallies in a span of 1:53 to secure the win.

The Swamp Rabbits completed a five-game road trip, and their season series against Florida, with a 5-3 setback to the Everblades on Saturday. Scott Fleming scored twice and added an assist for Greenville, but Florida earned the win with a pair of power-play goals in the third period, including Matt Marquardt's game-winner at the 7:36 mark. It was Greenville's fourth loss in a row (0-3-1), but the Swamp Rabbits stayed alive in their playoff push. The team's elimination number is four (4) entering Week 24.

UPCOMING GAMES

Thursday, Mar. 31 vs. Kalamazoo (33-28-5, 3rd North) - 7 p.m. ET

Friday, Apr. 1 vs. Kalamazoo (33-28-5, 3rd North) - 7 p.m. ET

Saturday, Apr. 2 vs. Kalamazoo (33-28-5, 3rd North) - 7 p.m. ET

QUICK SHIFTS

Honey Combs: Veteran scoring threat Jack Combs has been on a tear lately, recording at least one goal in four of his last five games and collecting eight goals in his last seven contests overall. In addition, Combs has 11 points (6g, 5a) in his last five games and leads the Swamp Rabbits in goals (24) and multi-point games (14) this season.    

Top of the Charts: Despite Combs' impressive numbers, third-year forward Scott Fleming leads the Swamp Rabbits in points (52), assists (32), plus-minus (+20) and power-play goals (6). Fleming is also on a team-best six-game point streak (3g, 7a) and has gathered points in seven straight road games (5g, 7a) dating back to Feb. 28 at Brampton. Fleming is scheduled to play his 200th professional game this Thursday against Kalamazoo.

Scouting the K-Wings: The Swamp Rabbits will face the Kalamazoo Wings in a three-game series at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena beginning Thursday at 7 p.m. It will mark the first meeting between the two clubs since the first round of the 2014 Kelly Cup Playoffs, in which Greenville topped Kalamazoo in six games. The Wings are currently third in the North Division and tied for ninth in the Eastern Conference with Orlando, three points behind Elmira for the final playoff position. However, Kalamazoo has won four straight games and six of its last seven including a 5-1 victory against Wheeling in its last outing on Saturday. Ludwig Blomstrand scored twice that evening and continues to lead the club in goals (27) and points (58). He's also tied for second in the league in goal scoring and seventh in point scoring.

News and Notes: Josh Nicholls has recorded 14 points (6g, 8a) in his last 14 games... The Swamp Rabbits have scored first in five of their last six games... Greenville is seventh on the power play at home (19.0%)... The Swamp Rabbits are tied for fifth with 16 games being decided beyond regulation.

SOUTH DIVISION

1. South Carolina Stingrays (39-18-9) = 87 points in 66 games

2. Florida Everblades (42-21-2) = 86 points in 65 games

3. Orlando Solar Bears (31-25-9) = 71 points in 65 games

4. Atlanta Gladiators (31-28-7) = 69 points in 66 games

5. Greenville Swamp Rabbits (28-29-9) = 65 points in 66 games

Thirsty Thursday: The Swamp Rabbits return to SANDLAPPER Securities Rink at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday to face the Kalamazoo Wings. It's Thirsty Thursday presented by Greenville Pharmaceutical Research, featuring $2 domestic draft beers from 6-8 p.m. and $2 hot dogs, pretzels and soft drinks all night long. Limited $5 tickets are also available at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena box office while supplies last, or by clicking here or calling 864-674-PUCK when purchasing at least four (4). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7 p.m. Fans can stream all of the live action via ECHL.TV or the free Mixlr audio feed.

T-Shirt Giveaway: The first 1,000 fans will receive a one-of-a-kind Swamp Rabbits t-shirt this Friday when Greenville battles Kalamazoo at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Craft Beer Night is this Saturday when the Swamp Rabbits host the Kalamazoo Wings in their penultimate home game. All fans 21 and older are invited to sample delicious craft beers before and during the team's 7 p.m. contest against Kalamazoo. For just $35, the package includes:

- One (1) lower bowl, red level ticket

- Entry for one (1) to the Craft Beer Tasting in the beer garden from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

- $1 off craft beers purchased at select concession stands the duration of the game

- A souvenir gift and sampling glass

Already have a ticket to the game? Get into the craft beer tasting party and take advantage of all additional perks for just $24. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase food during the event at the special sausage bar & pretzel stations! For tickets to the craft beer tasting party, call the Swamp Rabbits front office at 864-674-PUCK (7825).

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics

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ECHL Stories from March 28, 2016


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