Swamp Rabbits Skip Past Everblades 5-4 in Shootout

Written by Robert Molnar

GREENVILLE, SC – Caleb Herbert scored a goal and converted the game-winning tally in the shootout to lead the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (11-6-2-0, 24 pts) to a 5-4 shootout win over the Florida Everblades (14-2-1-2, 31 pts) Thursday night at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

BOX SCORE

The Everblades jumped out to a 1-0 lead midway through the first period on a blast from Steven Lorentz. Cycling the puck around inside the Greenville zone, Tyler Ganly got the puck over to Steven Lorentz at the right wing circle. Swatting a shot on goal, Lorentz sent the puck off the stick of Greenville goaltender Ty Rimmer and into the net.

Greenville tied the score at 1-1 just over two-minutes later as Branden Troock scored off an attacking zone faceoff. The Swamp Rabbits gained an offensive zone faceoff. Winning the draw, Caleb Herbert got the puck quickly over to Troock in the slot. Wristing a quick shot, Troock sent the puck right past Martin Ouellette.

Less than two-minutes later, the Swamp Rabbits would take the lead off a penalty shot. Taking advantage of a bad bounce, Joe Houk moved quickly into the attacking zone where he was taken down from behind. Houk was awarded the penalty shot and fired a quick wrist shot into the back of the net.

The Swamp Rabbits continued to ride off their momentum and took a 3-1 lead just 18-seconds later as Caleb Herbert made a great solo effort to net the tally. Herbert skipped right past the ‘Blades defense and moved into the attacking zone. Receiving a pass from Branden Troock at the right wing circle, Herbert banged his shot off the inside of the near post and into the net.

In the second period, the ‘Blades quickly bounced back, cutting Greenville’s lead in half off of a second chance opportunity from point blank range. Keegan Kanzig fired a shot from the blue line that was initially stopped by Ty Rimmer. However, the puck caromed right to the stick of Dave Dziurzynski who quickly buried the puck past Rimmer.

Just over a minute later, the ‘Blades tied the game at 3-3 as Steven Lorentz made a few fancy moves to find John McCarron alone in front of goal. Moving through the Greenville zone, Lorentz moved down towards the end line. Lorentz threw a no-look pass to the front of goal to McCarron.  McCarron flipped the puck behind the back of Ty Rimmer.

The ‘Blades took a 4-3 lead midway through the third period off a fast developing odd man rush. Picking up the loose puck in the neutral zone, Michael Kirkpatrick moved quickly to create a two-on-one opportunity. Kirkpatrick flipped the puck into the pass of Stephen MacAulay who buried his chance past the glove of Ty Rimmer.

Once again though, the ‘Blades lead did not last long. Just over two-minutes later, the Swamp Rabbits finally broke through the ‘Blades defense and tied the game at 4-4. Branden Troock fired an inch perfect pass across the face of goal. Caleb Herbert caught the pass and buried his chance behind the back of Martin Ouellette.

With the score still tied at 4-4 as regulation came to an end, the game headed to overtime.

In overtime, both teams received their share of chances. However, some stellar play from both goaltenders kept the game tied. With neither team able to find a game-winning goal, the game then headed to the final phase of this contest, the shootout.

Herbert opened the shootout with a goal and the Swamp Rabbits needed just that single tally as Ty Rimmer stopped each of the three Everblades shooters in the shootout to clinch the 4-3 victory for Greenville.

Ty Rimmer was stellar in goal for the Swamp Rabbits, stopping 47 of the 51 shots he faced as well as all three shots he faced in the shootout. Martin Ouellette also played well in goal for the ‘Blades but does suffer the shootout loss after allowing four goals on 36 shots and a single goal in the shootout.

The Florida Everblades will now head to the Infinite Energy Arena where they will take on the rival Atlanta Gladiators. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on WJBX News, Talk & More on 101.5-FM.104.3-FM, 770-AM or by CLICKING HERE. Fans can also watch the game online at ECHL.TVUpcoming Home Games

Friday,  December 8, vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.  Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree.

Saturday,  December 9, vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.  The Annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss!  It is one of the biggest games of the season.  Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to the game to throw out onto the ice when the Everblades score their first goal.  All of the teddy bears will be rounded up and distributed to local children's charities for the holidays!

Ticket Information

Purchase Single Game Tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online via Ticketmaster by CLICKING HERE

2017-18 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  We offer full season and flexible partial plans that will best fit your schedule and budget!  To view pricing and benefits of all available ticket packages CLICK HERE

SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase a new ticket package for the 2017-18 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford's Garage!

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price!  Group tickets are available for all home games. Fundraising opportunities are also available. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades offices at Germain Arena Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

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