KUHNS: SWAMP RABBITS’ FAST START HALTED BY ICEMEN
Jacksonville scores four unanswered to complete a stunning comeback
BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Much like Thursday night, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits scored at will to begin the game, but the Jacksonville Icemen weathered the storm and scored four unanswered goals to shock the Swamp Rabbits and win 4-3 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Saturday night.
Cam Maclise capitalized on a fortuitous bounce that worked the puck into the slot, where the Jacksonville forward dangled around the defense and outwaited Greenville goaltender Garrett Bartus to give the Icemen a 4-3 lead early in the third period. After that point, the Icemen slid back into a defensive trap and held the fort the rest of the way.
The Swamp Rabbits shot 50% to begin the game and took a 3-0 lead out of the opening period. It did not take the home team very long to get on the board—just under two minutes to do so. Kevin Miller connected on a centering pass from Stephen Pierog and beat Mikhail Berdin over the blocker to start the scoring.
The Swamp Rabbits’ deluge did not end there. Four minutes later, the Swamp Rabbits scored on a tic-tac-toe passing play caused by a strong physical play in the offensive zone and a pinch at the blue line. Will Merchant slipped the puck to Michael Pelech, who forced Berdin to bite, and found a streaking Austen Brassard on the back post to give Greenville the 2-0 lead.
The lead was capped at three when J.C. Brassard hammered a one-timer from the point on a pass from Chris Izmirlian on the power play to make it 3-0.
Jacksonville’s comeback was started innocently with a turnover goal from Everett Clark with just over a minute to go in the first period to cut Greenville’s lead to 3-1 heading into the first intermission.
A second period that saw both teams move more into a defensive posture opened up as Jacksonville made its move. Cameron Critchlow and Wacey Rabbit scored within two minutes of each other to force a tie at 3-3. Rabbit’s goal came on a critical late power play after extended time in the offensive zone during the man advantage.
The Swamp Rabbits celebrated Heroes Night on this night and raised money for local charities that benefit area veterans and first responders with a postgame jersey auction.
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits close out the homestand on Sunday, November 18 as they host the Wheeling Nailers at 3:00 p.m. Tickets to this day full of family fun, including a postgame Skate with the Swamp Rabbits, are available at SwampRabbits.com.
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