Brassard scores game-winning goal 1:19 into the extra session

BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

WHEELING, W. Va. — Bend, but not break. The Greenville Swamp Rabbits were outshot 25-10 in the second and third periods combined, but Swamp Rabbits forward Austen Brassard connected on the only shot of overtime to complete the victory. The Swamp Rabbits topped the Wheeling Nailers 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena.

Brassard took over after a missed shot by Sean Flanagan, raced out of the corner, and buried a snapshot from the high slot over the blocker hand of Wheeling goaltender Matt O’Connor to give Greenville its first road win of the season, and in the process, snap a three-game losing streak.

Greenville started the game as if shot out of a cannon. The Rabbits outshot the Nailers 10-4 in the first period and picked up the game’s first two goals.

Jake Bolton connected on the first one at 10:12 of the opening period on the power play, as his slap shot from the top of the circle beat O’Connor clean. That goal was his fourth in three games, and at that moment, counted for the last four goals that Greenville had scored dating back to the 3-2 loss to Norfolk on Monday.

A crafty play by Kevin Miller set up the Rabbits’ next goal. He evaded several missed checks down low in the offensive zone and spun the puck off the side of the goal. The carom came right to Trevor Owens, who lifted the puck into the goal to secure the 2-0 lead.

Wheeling responded to end the period as Troy Josephs connected for his second goal in as many nights on a two-on-one break and a rush chance for Nick Saracino on a power play opportunity tied the game at two.

Garrett Bartus routinely gave Greenville a chance with big save after big save. He ended the night with 27 saves on 29 chances. He stopped 24 of the final 25 shots fired his way to secure the win, his fourth of the season and picked up second-star honors in the process.

The Swamp Rabbits are back in action Tuesday morning in Cincinnati to take on the Cyclones. Catch all of the action on ESPN Upstate starting at 10:15 a.m.

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