The Rabbits Sneak Past the Glads in Overtime Showdown

The Atlanta Gladiators battled the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in an overtime showdown this Sunday. Both teams came ready to play, exchanging scoring chances and keeping the game close. The Glads struck first but ultimately fell short, as the Rabbits snuck by to steal the win in extra time. Now Atlanta looks ahead after a much-needed rest, hungry and hoping for redemption against South Carolina. Buckle up for the rematch on March 10th – it’s sure to be another thriller.

Beauchamp Strikes First but Gladiators Battle Back to Take Lead

The opening frame saw Greenville draw first blood as Anthony Beauchamp found twine behind Atlanta’s Sean Bonar. Despite the early deficit, the Glads refused to go quietly into the night.

Response and Equalizer

Midway through the second stanza, Ryan Cranford knotted the score with a gritty goal. Driving hard to the net, Cranford slipped the puck through the wickets of Swamp Rabbits’ netminder Ryan Bednard. The timely tally provided a much-needed spark for Atlanta as they headed into the final frame deadlocked at 1.

Luce Provides Go-Ahead Goal

Griffin Luce propelled the Gladiators ahead just under three minutes into the third. Luce rifled a shot from the point through a maze of players that eluded Bednard, giving Atlanta their first lead of the contest. The goal was Luce’s third of the campaign.

Eberle’s Heroics Force Overtime

With time winding down in regulation, Greenville’s Tanner Eberle played the role of hero. Eberle pounced on a rebound in front of Bonar and deposited the puck into the net with just over five minutes left to play. The goal forced overtime where the Swamp Rabbits would ultimately prevail.

Despite a valiant effort, the Gladiators came up just short in the extra session. The loss moves Atlanta’s record on the season to 18-37-2-1. The Glads will have a chance to get back in the win column next Sunday when they welcome the South Carolina Stingrays to Gas South Arena.

Eberle’s Late Tally Forces Overtime Against Swamp Rabbits

The Glads were hungry to even the score after trailing for most of the game. With just over 5 minutes left to play, Tanner Eberle cashed in on Cole Donhauser’s rebound to knot things up at two apiece. Eberle’s clutch goal gave the Gladiators new life and a chance at pulling off a comeback victory in overtime.

Missed Opportunities

Although Atlanta had their fair share of opportunities throughout regulation, they were unable to capitalize on most of them. The Glads outshot the Swamp Rabbits 8 to 3 in the first period but remained scoreless. Failure to convert on prime chances came back to haunt them as they headed into the intermission trailing 1-0.

Cranford Comes Through

Ryan Cranford eventually broke through for the Gladiators, beating Swamp Rabbits’ goaltender Ryan Bednard glove side to even the score at 1 midway through the second period. Cranford’s goal ignited Atlanta’s offense, as they went on to outshoot Greenville 11 to 5 for the remainder of regulation.

Extra Hockey

After an action-packed 3rd period and overtime, the game needed a shootout to determine a winner. Unfortunately for Atlanta, the Swamp Rabbits came out on top in the skills competition to take the extra point. The Gladiators earned a point for forcing overtime but were left wanting more in this closely contested matchup. Atlanta will look to regroup over their week off before taking on the Stingrays in a rematch next Sunday.

Greenway’s Game-Winner Secures Victory for Greenville

As the clock ticked down in overtime, the Glads were pushing hard to end the game in their favor. But the Swamp Rabbits had other plans.

With less than two minutes left in the extra period, JD Greenway found a burst of speed and broke away from the Atlanta defenders. He raced into the offensive zone with the puck on his stick, squared up to Boyko, and fired a wrist shot that sailed over the goalie’s glove into the top corner of the net. The Swamp Rabbits erupted in celebration while the Glads could only look on in disbelief.

Despite battling back from a one-goal deficit in the third period to force overtime, the Gladiators were unable to contain Greenway when it mattered most. His sixth goal of the season gave the Swamp Rabbits a 3-2 victory and dealt a tough loss to the Gladiators on home ice.

The overtime defeat capped off a frustrating week for Atlanta, who had dropped three straight games coming into Sunday’s matchup with Greenville. They had opportunities to win, including eight shots in the opening frame, but were ultimately done in by defensive lapses and an inability to generate offense when ahead.

Chin up, A-town down, Glads fans. Derek Nesbitt squad have a long week to recharge before taking on South Carolina next Sunday. They’ll be hungry to get back in the win column on home ice. See you at the rink!