TRUST: GAME PREVIEW – SWAMP RABBITS vs. NAILERS
BY: Matt Trust, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Greenville, SC – Tonight, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits begin a three-game home series against the Wheeling Nailers. The Rabbits are slated to play Wheeling four times in the regular season’s final nine games.
Greenville Swamp Rabbits (32-17-11-3) vs. Wheeling Nailers (19-33-5-1)
May 21, 2021 | 7:05 PM | Game #64 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Referees: Casey Terreri (14)
Linesmen: Tarrington Wyonzek (88), Shane Gustafson (87)
Broadcast Information: (Pre-game 6:45 p.m.)
WATCH LIVE: https://www.flohockey.tv/
LISTEN LIVE: https://mixlr.com/swamp-rabbits
Voice of the Swamp Rabbits, Matt Trust, and Matt Caldwell on the call
#RABBITSRISING#
LAST TIME OUT
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits concluded a season-long, seven-game road trip on Wednesday night at Jacksonville. Trailing 2-0 early in the second period, the Rabbits scored four times unanswered to claim a 4-2 comeback victory later. John Lethemon stopped 21 shots to earn his club’s fourth consecutive victory. Greenville finished the road trip 6-1-0-0 and improved to a season-best 15 games over .500. Wheeling last took the ice on Sunday, May 16, and dropped a 6-3 decision against the Swamp Rabbits. Patrick Watling, Tim Doherty, and Joshua Winquist all scored for the Nailers.
THREE MORE FOR G
Garrett Thompson has recorded three-point performances in back-to-back games. On Sunday, May 16 at Wheeling, Thompson earned an ECHL career-high, three-assist performance and first three-point night of the season. Last Wednesday, Thompson posted three points (one goal, two assists) to lead Greenville’s comeback effort against Jacksonville. The Traverse City, Michigan native, scored early in the second period to cut his team’s deficit to 2-1 before adding two helpers in the third. An alternate captain, Thompson, enters tonight with 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 53 games.
FINK IN THE CLUTCH
Rookie defenseman Ben Finkelstein scored his third game-winning goal of the season last Wednesday in Jacksonville. Tied at 2-2 in the final period, Finkelstein followed his rebound and hit pay-dirt at the 7:58 mark. Finkelstein extended his current point streak to eight consecutive games (five goals, five assists) with his goal. The South Burlington, Vermont native, has averaged a point per game (nine goals, 18 assists) in 27 appearances with Greenville. Finkelstein returned to Greenville’s lineup on April 30 against Jacksonville after missing 29 games due to injury.
ECHL EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS
- Florida (37-18-3-2) (.658)
- GREENVILLE (32-17-11-3) (.619)
- Indy Fuel (31-21-7-0) (.585)
- Orlando Solar Bears (31-24-5-1) (.557)
_____________________________________ - South Carolina Stingrays (27-21-10-3) (.549)
- Jacksonville Icemen (31-25-3-3) (.548)
- Wheeling Nailers (19-33-5-1) (.379)
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Rise With Us and join us at Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the return of professional hockey in the United States! Single Game Tickets are available to purchase today here.
GEAR UP!
Represent the Swamp Rabbits for the 2020–21 season by heading to our online store, the Hop Shop, to purchase your Bits gear. On sale now!
ABOUT US
Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team has provided family-friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly the Greenville Road Warriors, the Swamp Rabbits are the highest professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are proud affiliates of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Greenville is a member of the ECHL, Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League. Since the conclusion of the 2019-20 NHL Season, 678 former ECHL players have debuted in the NHL. Nine former Greenville Road Warriors/Swamp Rabbits have later made their NHL debut.
