After giving up two first period goals, Atlanta launched a fierce comeback attempt in the third period. Greenville would hold off the Gladiators attack despite 38 total shots on goal and took the 3-1 win at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Friday Night.
Greenville carried the momentum from last night's victory and scored first, 14:46 into the opening period. Tristen King, who had two goals last evening, sent a wrist shot from the high slot off the cross-bar and into the net. The former Allen Americans' 14th goal of the season was assisted by Tommy Thompson and Troy Donnay.
The Swamp Rabbits increased their lead to 2-0, with just :42 seconds left in the first. Brandon Alderson took advantage of a Gladiators turnover in the low slot and chipped the puck in past Atlanta goalie, Matt Ginn. The team-leading 25th goal of the year for Alderson saw the helpers go to Angelo Miceli and Bretton Cameron.
After both sides were held off the scoreboard in the second, Atlanta would slice the Greenville lead in half 6:29 into the third period. After a flurry of shots in front of the goal that were stopped by Swamp Rabbit netminder, Mazkezie Skapski, the puck came to Mark Naclerio who lit the lamp on the rebound giving him goals in three straight games. Eric Neiley and A.J. White earned the assists on Naclerio's 9th goal of the season that made the score 3-1.
Greenville advanced back to a two-goal lead just over five minutes later with a Donnay tally on a rebound to put the home team up 3-1. Atlanta managed a bevy of chances late to try and tie the game, but the Swamp Rabbits held on for the victory.
Atlanta fell for the sixth straight game which dropped their record to 24-35-6-2 as they remained at 56 points. Greenville stayed undefeated at home against Atlanta and improved their overall record to 39-25-4-1 and earned points 82 and 83 on the year as they remained in second place in the South Division.
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