SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah Ghost Pirates, proud ECHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, fell to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits 5-2 on Friday night at Enmarket Arena.
FIRST PERIOD
The Swamp Rabbits (6-1-2-0) jumped out to an early lead late in the first period when Greenville forced a turnover and Jack Brackett fired it past goaltender Tyler Muszelik to make it 1-0.
SECOND PERIOD
The Swamp Rabbits continued to pressure the Ghost Pirates in the second period, adding three more goals. Blake Bennett quickly made it 2-0 less than two minutes into the period before Cade McNelly extended the lead to 3-0. Bennett scored his second goal of the night on the power play to make it 4-0.
Eddie Matsushima (3) ended goaltender Hampton Slukynsky's shutout bid, cutting the deficit to 4-1. Will Riedell and Anthony Callin recorded the assists.
THIRD PERIOD
Savannah came out strong to start the third period, cutting the Swamp Rabbits' lead to two at 4-2 thanks to Nick DeGrazia (2). Colton Huard and Max Dorrington recorded the assists.
Hank Crone sealed the 5-2 victory with an empty-net goal.
Slukynsky picked up his first career ECHL win, stopping 30 of 32 shots. Muszelik took the loss, stopping 11 of 15 shots.
The Ghost Pirates continue their fifth season Sunday, Nov. 8, when the Orlando Solar Bears visit Enmarket Arena for Military Appreciation Weekend, presented by VyStar Credit Union. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. For tickets and more information, visit ghostpirateshockey.com.
– GHOST PIRATES –
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