BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

NORFOLK — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits struck first and held two leads, but a charge by the Norfolk Admirals prevailed. A power-play goal late in the second period proved decisive as the Admirals topped the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Halloween night 3-2 at The Scope.

Connor Hurley connected on the receiving end of a give-and-go passing play as a feed pinballed out in front and past Garrett Bartus to give the home club the 3-2 lead late in the second period.

The Swamp Rabbits went into desperation mode throughout the third and threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Admirals. Austen Brassard almost connected on an open net with under a minute to go, but a last-second defensive stick by Jalen Smereck disrupted the chance.

Chris Izmirlian provided the offense for the Swamp Rabbits on Wednesday, with his first of the night just three and a half minutes in. A shot-pass from the top of the right circle came right to Izmirlian, whose initial bid was denied, but on the rebound, he scored to give Greenville the lead.

However, Norfolk always had the answer. Just moments later, Domenic Alberga connected for Norfolk on a second chance opportunity to tie the game at one.

Izmirlian had to wait until the second period for his second goal of the game. He jumped a defensive lane and took the puck on a breakaway the length of the ice and faked out goaltender Ty Reichenbach with a slick backhand fake to give Greenville the lead. But, again, Norfolk had the answer. Matt McMorrow pounced on a loose puck at the side of the net to draw the home club even just minutes later.

Penalties were few and far between on the night, and it was a critical late penalty in the second period that turned the tide. Greenville went 0-for-1 on its only chance, and the Norfolk Admirals went 1-for-3.

The Swamp Rabbits are back in action this weekend, starting Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. against the Orlando Solar Bears. Tickets are available at SwampRabbits.com.

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