TOSTI: Swamp Rabbits Effort Sunk by Admirals
Greenville halted by Norfolk defense while the deflection-filled game continues the streak.
BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Norfolk, VA – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (20-27-3-1), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, pushed 33 shots on net including some great chances late on the Norfolk Admirals (19-26-5-1) but came up short in a 3-1 final score. The Swamp Rabbits close effort with the Admirals was a one-goal game until the final six minutes, helping Norfolk to their third win over Greenville this season.
The early game plan for the Admirals was to use misdirection on the Swamp Rabbits defense. Norfolk earned 19 shots in the first period and after a slew of deflections in the first few minutes of the game, Brodie Dupont connected on a redirection. The captain tipped Christian Horn’s shot from just inside of the left circle and slipped it through the legs of goaltender Greg Dodds. The Admirals goal gave them the early advantage less than five minutes into the game.
Greenville responded to tie the game with their first power play. Chase Harrison launched a puck out of play, causing a delay of game call and Greenville used almost all of the power play. Finally, Austin McKay was able to tally with five seconds left on the man advantage. With an offensive zone faceoff, the rookie center won the draw to Matt Prapavessis and the defenseman teed a pass up for Sean Flanagan’s one-timer on the right point. The Swamp Rabbits returned volley with a defection goal of their own at 13:14 of the first period with McKay netting his eighth goal of the year.
The Admirals did not cease fire on the ensuing faceoff. Patrick D’Amico pushed into the offensive zone, beating Greenville’s defense before firing a shot inside of the left post to retake the lead. The goal was D’Amico’s 11th of the season and came only 11 seconds after McKay’s tying tally.
The Admirals and Swamp Rabbits traded chances in the second period but to no avail on the scoreboard. Each team rattled off 12 shots and Greenville earned two power-play opportunities that did not connect. The Admirals finished the game 0-for-2 on the power play while Greenville scored on one of their three chances.
In the third, the Swamp Rabbits surged the net of goaltender Jamie Murray but fell short of tying the game at 2-2. The netminder earned the victory in goal with 32 saves while Dodds made 43 saves in his second loss of the season. Murray was constantly pressured in net throughout the evening and Dodds had some stunning saves to keep Greenville in the contest.
Dodds tried to move the puck with five minutes remaining in the game, sending a pass up the boards. The Admirals cut off the play and Dupont again posted in front of the cage, deflecting a shot from Horn to take the 3-1 victory.
The Swamp Rabbits and Admirals take the ice tomorrow night at the same time from the Norfolk Scope to finish the week with their fourth meeting of the season.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING NIGHT presented by Michelin | Tuesday, February 20 | 7 p.m.
The Swamp Rabbits will face the Atlanta Gladiators for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Night presented by Michelin. The night will offer students the ability to learn more about Michelin’s school programs and see demonstrations on the concourse. It is also a 2-for-$20 Tuesday and enjoy our Hoppy Hour specials, including $3 domestic beer, and select $2 concessions from 5-8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased before the game through the Swamp Rabbits office or at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena box office.
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