For the final time in the 2017-18 regular season, presented by Community First Credit Union, the Jacksonville Icemen (25-33-4-3, 57 pts) take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (22-35-7-1, 52 pts) tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Last night's loss stung for the Icemen, who were looking for their fourth consecutive victory as they continue to chase the Atlanta Gladiators in the standings. However, tonight they have a chance to pull within eight points of the final playoff spot in the South with a win over the Swamp Rabbits.
Greenville snapped an 11-game losing streak at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in last night's 3-2 win. With the playoffs all but out of reach for the Swamp Rabbits, they look to build momentum towards next season with a strong end to the season. Goalie Ty Rimmer was phenomenal yesterday, stopping 26 of 28 shots to keep Greenville ahead during a frantic third period. It wouldn't be surprising if head coach Brian Gratz went back with the 26-year-old goaltender tonight to attempt a two-game sweep of the Icemen.
Jacksonville was missing the offensive production it had enjoyed from its key players the last few games in last night's loss. In the goal column, it was rookies Matt Ustaski and Justin Woods who continued to shine leading the way. For the Icemen to complete this playoff push and overtake the Gladiators, they're going to need scoring from leading point producers like Elgin Pearce, Jimmy Lodge and Bobby MacIntyre. Undoubtedly, Jacksonville will be a hungry, aggressive team tonight as they look to bounce back and collect two important points.
Tune into ECHL TV tonight at 7:00 p.m. as the Icemen battle the Swamp Rabbits one last time this season.
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 25-33-4-3 (5th in South division)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits: 22-35-7-1 (7th in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 24/256 – 9.4% (27th in ECHL)
Swamp Rabbits: 49/263 – 18.6% (7th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 239/287 – 83.3% (13th in ECHL)
Swamp Rabbits: 201/262 – 76.7% (26th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#22 F Bobby MacIntyre (JAX)
19G, 16A – 35 Pts, +7 Rating
MacIntyre ranks second in scoring on the Icemen this season against Greenville with nine points (5g-4a).
#18 F Joe Basaraba (GRN)
18G, 26A – 44 Pts, -8 Rating
Basaraba has been a proven threat offensively agains the Icemen, finding the back of the net three times.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers