The Icemen defeated the Swamp Rabbits, 3-0, Friday night in Greenville. The win marks the first winning streak in team history and the second team shutout this season.
In a scoreless first period, the Icemen came prepared to defend the third-best power play in the league. The Swamp Rabbits would have two power plays, but were unable to score on either man advantage. Goalie Austin Lotz, making his second consecutive start, made a couple key saves and both teams finished the first period tied.
Near the midway point of the second period, Elgin Pearce scored on a breakaway as he beat Brandon Halverson glove side for the Icemen lead. Later on in the second, Tanner Eberle and Pearce had a 2-on-1 break in the offensive zone. Eberle made a crisp pass to Pearce who put it past Halverson for the 2-0 lead. Pearce now leads the team in multi-goal games with two.
In the third period, the Icemen stayed out of the box and Austin Lotz stopped all 11 Greenville shots. Tyson Fawcett scored his second goal in as many nights with a late empty net goal, and the Icemen skate out of Greenville with the 3-0 win. Lotz made 36 saves tonight for his first shutout in his professional career. The win also stops a nine-game winless streak on the road.
The Icemen take on the Orlando Solar Bears in Orlando on Wednesday, Dec. 27 as the club looks for its third consecutive win.
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