Swamp Rabbits Bounce Past Everblades 3-1

Recap written by Robert Molnar.

GREENVILLE, SC – Three players each scored a goal while Josh Nicholls added two assists as the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (27-25-7-0, 61 pts) defeated the Florida Everblades (37-20-0-2, 76 pts) 3-1 Friday night at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

The Everblades did not need long to score, taking the early lead just over two minutes into the game. Going up a man thanks to an early power play, Corey Cowick was able to find a wide open Matt Willows whose one-timer took a deflection off a Swamp Rabbits’ defenseman and past Greenville goaltender Alain Valiquette.

Despite the early deficit, the Swamp Rabbits did not back down, tying the game at the 8:27 mark of the first period. Getting the puck away from Everblades’ defenseman Rob Florentino, Jack Combs sent the puck across to Vinny Saponari. Moving up to the right hash, Saponari wristed a quick shot through traffic and past the screened Everblades’ goaltender Anthony Peters.

Less than two minutes into the second period, the Swamp Rabbits jumped on top, taking their first lead of the game. Coming into the attacking zone, Josh Nicholls sent a pass through the slot and towards the on rushing Ryan Rashid. Getting to the puck at the low right circle, Rashid blasted his one-timer past Anthony Peters.

Greenville added to their lead late in the second period, taking advantage of an Everblades’ turnover in the neutral zone to double their lead. Trying to clear the puck out f their own zone, Josh Nicholls intercepted the puck at center ice. Moving into the zone, Nicholls was forced into the corner. Spotting an opportunity, Nicholls sent a pass towards the slot where the puck deflected off the stick of Brian Hart and into the net.

Down by two goals, the ‘Blades came out flat in the third period. Unable to get some clear shots on goal, the Everblades could not challenge Greenville on the scoreboard. Though the ‘Blades pulled the goaltender to gain an extra attacker late in the game, the Swamp Rabbits defense stood tall, not allowing the ‘Blades a chance to get back in the game.

Alain Valiquette played well in goal for the Swamp Rabbits, earning the win after stopping 21 of the 22-shots he faced. Anthony Peters suffers the loss in goal for the Everblades, allowing three goals on 32-shots.

The Florida Everblades hit the halfway point of their six game road trip tomorrow night when they once again take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HEREUpcoming Everblades Home Games

Friday, March 25 vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday, March 26 vs. Greenville, 7:00 p.m. – Guns N' Hoses night. It's a hockey double-header as local police and fire fighters battle it out on the ice at 5:15 p.m. Then at 7:00 p.m. the Everblades will wear special Guns N' Hoses themed jerseys which will be auctioned off following the game. A ticket to the Everblades game gets you into the Guns N' Hoses game for free.  Pregame tailgate party featuring live music, bounce houses and face painting begins at 5:00 p.m.

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.comDiscounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

Partial Season Ticket Packages:  Flexible partial season ticket plans are available to help fit your budget and schedule. For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team's main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Fans may also stop by our sales tables located in the concourse at Everblades games. .

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###