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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Third Period Dooms Greenville on Halloween

October 31, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Greenville, S.C. - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (3-3-0), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, scored twice in the first 11 minutes on Saturday, but surrendered a flurry of third-period goals in a 3-2 setback to the Evansville IceMen (1-2-0) at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Ryan Penny punched in the go-ahead goal with just over three minutes remaining, while Brian Hart and Jack Combs each scored for Greenville.

With the loss, the Swamp Rabbits dropped their second straight game and slipped to 2-2-0 on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink. IceMen netminder Scott Greenham halted 42 chances to earn Evansville's first victory since April 3, 2015.

The Swamp Rabbits drew first blood in the Halloween contest when Hart netted his second goal in as many games at the 7:18 mark of the first period. Helped by Nikita Kashirsky and Emerson Clark, the puck slid to the doorstep where Hart fanned on an initial shot but made amends on the second, directing it past the right leg pad of Greenham. The goal was Hart's third tally of the season.

Greenville added to its advantage less than four minutes later on a nifty shot from the seventh-year pro Combs. Extending his league-best point streak to 15 games (10g, 12a), Combs recorded his third goal of the season to make it 2-0. Combs received a pass from Josh Nicholls in front and quickly shifted sides before hammering it home as he fell to the ice. Justin DaSilva also recorded a helper on the play.

Following a scoreless second period, the IceMen stormed back from their 2-0 deficit with three third-period goals to capture the win. At the 3:31 mark, Vincent Dunn tracked down a puck in the right corner and targeted Penny in the slot. His pass, however, redirected off of a Greenville body in the blue paint and found the back of the net to make it 2-1.

Evansville evened the score at 5:53 of the third period when Matthew Zay registered his first goal of the season. Former Greenville defenseman Spencer Humphries began the attack when he pushed a pass to Justin MacDonald at the right post, who immediately centered the puck to Zay in the slot for a one-time finish.  

With less than four minutes remaining, Penny notched the game-winning goal on an odd-man rush into Greenville territory. Daulton Leveille started the breakout in the neutral zone and fed Jarrett Lukin on the right side who continued the play for Penny to the left. As Penny neared the goal mouth, he turned from the forehand to the backhanded to beat Morrison glove side for his first goal of the season.

Both teams finished the game 0-for-2 on the power play. Morrison (2-1-0) made a season-high 35 saves on 38 shots in the loss, which snapped a personal nine-game winning streak dating back to February 7, 2015.

Greenville outshot Evansville 44-38.

Don't miss out: The Swamp Rabbits complete their three-game weekend series tomorrow with a 3 p.m. puck drop against the Florida Everblades at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The Greenville News Family Fun Pack returns and includes four (4) red-level tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) fountain drinks and two (2) Swamp Rabbits' foam fingers. In addition, all fans are invited to stick around after the contest for a free post-game skate with the entire team. The Swamp Rabbits will also sport their redesigned New York Rangers style jerseys.

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 expanded to include a stop at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The deviated 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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