GAME PREVIEW (3/28/2021): SWAMP RABBITS vs. ICEMEN, 3:05 PM

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Fresh off a 5-4 overtime victory the night prior, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits will drop the puck against the Jacksonville Icemen to conclude a three-game set. Jacksonville recorded a 3-1 victory in Friday’s tilt at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena before the series shifted to the Upstate.    

Greenville Swamp Rabbits (17-12-8-2) vs. Jacksonville Icemen (15-14-3-3)

March 28, 2021 | 3:05 PM | Game #40 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Referees: Nolan Bloyer (31)

Linesmen: Brady Fagan (89), Scott Senger (56)

ECHL Standings

TICKETS

Broadcast Information: (Pre-game 2:45 p.m.)

WATCH LIVE: https://www.flohockey.tv/

LISTEN LIVE: https://mixlr.com/swamp-rabbits

Voice of the Swamp Rabbits, Matt Trust and Matthew Nicolini on the call

LAST TIME OUT:

Last night, Greg Meireles scored a 4-on-3 power play goal in sudden-death overtime to lift Greenville past Jacksonville. Patrick Bajkov scored twice including the game’s opening goal at the 7:00 mark on a power move to the net. Liam Pecararo tallied on a breakaway to give the Swamp Rabbits a 2-1 edge only 14 seconds after Brenden Miller counted for the Icemen. Trevor Hamilton and Wacey Rabbit registered back-to-back goals to hand Jacksonville a 3-2 lead early in the second period. At 10:03 of the second period, Bajkov hit pay-dirt a second time, and Garrett Thompson converted on Greenville’s first power play chance of the night with 1:46 left in the stanza. Protecting a 4-3 lead in the final period, the Icemen found the equalizer on Jake Elmer’s first goal of the season at 16:14. In 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime, Pecararo slid a perfect pass across the low-slot for Meireles who buried the overtime winner at 5:32.

BAJKOV’S BIG NIGHT:

Patrick Bajkov recorded two goals and a helper for his second three-point night of the campaign for Greenville. In 23 games this season, the third-year pro has recorded 15 points (nine goals, six assists) after posting 20 goals in 64 games with the Swamp Rabbits last season. Bajkov’s previous three-point night came on February 26 in a 5-4 loss to the Allen Americans.

WORKING OVERTIME:

Last night, the Swamp Rabbits required overtime for the league-leading 16th time this season. Courtesy of Greg Meireles’ overtime winner, the Rabbits are now 5-8 in the overtime frame this season. On three occasions, the sudden-death overtime period solved nothing and the contest progressed to a shootout. In the skills competition, Greenville has a 1-2 shootout record with their lone win against Jacksonville. Four of Greenville’s 10 meetings this season with the Icemen have required extra time.  

LETHEMON’S RECORDS THE WIN:

Rookie goaltender John Lethemon earned the victory in goal last night for Greenville for his second professional win. Lethemon made 35 saves on 39 Icemen shots throughout 65:32 of action in goal. The Northville, Michigan native’s record improved to 2-2-3 on the campaign in his eighth appearance with a 3.08 goals-against average and .890 save percentage. Prior to last night, Lethemon’s lone pro win came in his first pro start on December 27, 2020 at South Carolina.

#RABBITSRISING#

SINGLE GAME TICKETS ARE 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!

Head to our online store, the Hop Shop to purchase your brand new jerseys. On sale now!

ABOUT US

Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team have been providing family friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly the Greenville Road Warriors, the Swamp Rabbits are the highest level 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