Swamp Rabbits feast on Gladiators

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (12-9-2-0), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, scored five unanswered goals in a 5-2 victory over the Atlanta Gladiators (10-13-2-1) on Tuesday night. Bretton Cameron became the franchise leader with 263 games played for Greenville and earned the number one star scoring a goal and adding an assist. The Swamp Rabbits captain’s team leading eighth goal of the season proved to be the game-winning tally.

The Gladiators jumped out to a quick lead in the first period. Justin Buzzeo halted his recent slump, netting a goal less than six minutes into the game. Then Eric Neiley extended the lead at 14:39 to give Atlanta an early 2-0 nod.

Tommy Thompson netted his fifth goal of the season in the first period to slow the early Gladiators burst. The rookie knocked down a cross-ice pass from Joe Houk and turned the corner into the offensive zone. With less than three minutes to play in the opening period, Thompson brought the puck around Matt Ginn and tucked it into the back of the net. Cameron recorded the initial assist on the goal to cut the Atlanta lead to 2-1 at the first intermission

In the second period, the Swamp Rabbits pushed forward and outshot the ‘Glads 10-6. On the power play late in the middle frame, Spiro Goulakos would tie the game. The blue-liner fired a shot from the point beating Ginn over the shoulder. Goulakos has six goals this season and is tied for second in the ECHL for goals by a defenseman. Angelo Miceli and Matt Prapavessis earned assists on the goal, one of two for Prapavessis on the night.

Greenville’s defense stood tall despite the early deficit and goaltender Mackenzie Skapski helped the Swamp Rabbits be perfect on five penalty kills. The third-year goaltender ended the night with 32 saves and his third consecutive win.

Cameron’s third period goal took less than a minute to score. Thompson completed his two-point evening, sending a pass in front to the Swamp Rabbits captain to redirect into the net. Greenville took the lead and never looked back.

Houk added some insurance with Greenville’s second power play goal of the game. The defenseman helped the Swamp Rabbits go 2-5 on the man advantage, firing his third of the season through traffic. The puck found the back of the net and gave Paul Zanette and Garrett Noonan assists on the power play marker.

Justin DaSilva added an empty net goal to seal the victory in the final minute. The Cambridge, ON native has tied a career high with three goals this season. Greenville is now undefeated in two games with Atlanta this season. Ginn suffered his eighth loss this season, making 21 saves.

The Swamp Rabbits are back in action against the Reading Royals for two games on Thursday and Friday night. It will be the first of four meetings between the Eastern Conference opponents. The Swamp Rabbits will look for their third straight win at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday when the puck drops at 7 p.m.

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