Date & Time: Friday: December 27, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Venue: Gas South Arena
Where to Watch/Listen
TV/Streaming: FloHockey
Listen Live: Atlanta Gladiators Broadcast Network
Listen Live: Greenville Swamp Rabbits
News & Notes
The Atlanta Gladiators have several strengths that make them a formidable team. One of them being their solid penalty kill, which stands at 80%, ranking them among the top teams in this category. This ability to effectively neutralize opponents’ power plays is crucial in maintaining their defensive stability. Additionally, the Gladiators excel in high-pressure situations, showcasing their capacity to adjust and perform under stress. Their roster includes versatile players like Eric Neiley and Cody Sylvester, who bring both scoring ability and playmaking skills, enhancing the team’s offensive depth. The presence of strong defensemen like Derek Topatigh, who contributes both offensively and defensively, further solidifies their backline.
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits possess several strengths that enhance their competitive advantage. A key asset is their effective power play, boasting a success rate of 16.5%, enabling them to take full advantage of opponents’ penalties. Their penalty kill is equally commendable, standing at 84%, which reinforces their defensive capabilities. The team features a well-rounded roster, highlighted by key players such as Bryce Brodzinski and Tate Singleton, who consistently deliver offensive results. Defensemen like Parker Berge play a vital role on both sides of the ice, further bolstering the team’s overall strength. Additionally, the reliable goaltending duo of Jacob Ingham and Dryden McKay is essential for their defensive achievements.
Key Players and Prediction for Tonight’s Game
Atlanta Gladiators
Eric Neiley has emerged as a prominent forward for the Atlanta Gladiators, boasting nine goals and twelve assists in 23 games. His knack for scoring and creating chances establishes him as a significant offensive asset. Cody Sylvester contributes with seven goals and twelve assists over 28 games, offering experience and playmaking abilities essential for the team’s success. Blake Murray, another vital forward, has tallied seven goals and eight assists in 22 games, capable of shifting the game’s momentum with his scoring prowess. Joey Cipollone, with eight goals and five assists in 26 games, along with Patriks Marcinkevics, who has two goals and eleven assists in 17 games, play critical roles in the team’s offensive efforts. Jackson Pierson, with three goals and seven assists in 28 games, and Carson Denomie, who has four goals and five assists, each provide valuable depth to the forward lineup.
On the defensive side, Derek Topatigh shines as a key player, recording five goals and fourteen assists in 27 games, demonstrating his dual contributions on offense and defense. Andrew Jarvis contributes solid defensive skills with three goals and one assist in 26 games, while Jeremy Hanzel adds stability on the blue line with one goal and three assists in 17 games. Christian Hausinger and Zach Yoder, each with four assists, are also crucial for their playmaking from the defense. Lastly, Anthony Firriolo, with one goal and two assists, and Brenden Datema, who has two assists in 24 games, enhance the depth of the defensive lineup.
Team Discipline
The Atlanta Gladiators have amassed a total of 256 penalty minutes across 28 games, which averages out to 9.14 penalty minutes per game. They have received 108 minor penalties, six major penalties, and just one ten-minute misconduct. This positions them at the lower end of the league (10th) regarding penalty minutes, reflecting a relatively disciplined style of play on the ice.
Atlanta Gladiators’ Strategies
- Leverage Strong Penalty Kill: With an 80% success rate, the Gladiators should focus on maintaining their disciplined penalty kill to neutralize the Swamp Rabbits’ power play opportunities.
- Utilize Versatile Forwards: Players like Eric Neiley and Cody Sylvester, who have both scoring and playmaking abilities, should be central to their offensive strategies. Creating scoring chances and maintaining offensive pressure will be crucial.
- Defensive Contributions: Defensemen like Derek Topatigh, who contribute both offensively and defensively, should be encouraged to join the attack while maintaining solid defensive coverage.
- Maintain Discipline: With relatively low penalty minutes, continuing to play a disciplined game will help avoid giving the Swamp Rabbits power play opportunities.
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Bryce Brodzinski is a standout player for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, boasting nine goals and eleven assists in 24 games. His reliable performance and knack for scoring make him an essential player to keep an eye on. Tate Singleton, contributing seven goals and ten assists in 23 games, brings versatility and vital offensive skills to the team. Colton Young, with five goals and seven assists in 19 games, along with Patrick Moynihan, who has one goal and ten assists in 23 games, also play key roles in the team’s offensive strategies. Carter Savoie adds depth to the forward lineup with six goals and four assists, while Brent Pedersen has tallied four goals and six assists in 22 games.
On defense, Parker Berge shines with five goals and thirteen assists in twenty-three games, making significant contributions at both ends of the ice. Joe Leahy provides balanced play, tallying two goals and five assists in eighteen games. Bobby Russell remains a reliable presence on the blue line, adding one goal and seven assists in twenty-three games. Dru Krebs and Max Coyle further bolster the defensive lineup, with Krebs recording three assists in twenty-four games and Coyle adding three assists in fifteen games. These contributions are vital as they ensure that the defensemen are not only protecting their own net but also actively participating in creating scoring opportunities, which is essential for a well-rounded team performance.
Team Discipline
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have accumulated 262 penalty minutes across 24 games, averaging 10.92 penalty minutes per game. Their record includes 96 minor penalties, eight major penalties, and two ten-minute misconducts. This places them towards the lower end of the league’s penalty minute rankings (11th), indicating a disciplined style of play similar to that of the Gladiators.
Greenville Swamp Rabbits’ Strategies
- Capitalize on Power Play: With a 16.5% success rate, the Swamp Rabbits should aim to draw penalties and capitalize on their power play opportunities to gain an advantage over Atlanta.
- Balanced Offensive Attack: Key players like Bryce Brodzinski and Tate Singleton should lead a balanced offensive attack, utilizing their scoring and playmaking skills to create diverse scoring opportunities.
- Strong Defensive Play: Defensemen like Parker Berge, who contributes on both ends of the ice, should focus on maintaining strong defensive coverage while supporting the offense.
- Effective Goaltending: Relying on the strong performances of goalies Jacob Ingham and Dryden McKay will be essential. Ensuring solid goaltending will help keep the Gladiators’ scoring in check.
Goalies
In goal, the Atlanta Gladiators rely on Ethan Haider, who has a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.57 and a save percentage (SV%) of 0.908 in 16 games, and Drew DeRidder, with a GAA of 2.75 and a SV% of 0.912 in 14 games. The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have Jacob Ingham, who has a GAA of 2.30 and a SV% of 0.933 in 8 games, and Dryden McKay, with a GAA of 3.25 and a SV% of 0.905 in 18 games. This game may see Haider in net for Atlanta with Ingham in goal for Savannah.
Previous Matchup
The last time these two teams met was on December 14, 2024, where the Gladiators won 5-3. These results indicate that the Gladiators have had the upper hand in recent meetings, but the games have been closely contested.
Prediction
The upcoming game is expected to be a closely contested match. The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have been in strong form, with a win percentage of 50.00% over 24 games this season. They have a solid offensive and defensive balance, with key players like Bryce Brodzinski and Tate Singleton expected to continue their strong performances. Additionally, goalie Jacob Ingham’s impressive stats will be crucial in maintaining a strong defense.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Gladiators have a win percentage of 42.90% over 28 games. Key players like Eric Neiley and Cody Sylvester will be vital for the Gladiators’ offense, while goalie Ethan Haider’s solid performance in goal is essential for their defense.
Scoring first is crucial for both the Atlanta Gladiators and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The Gladiators have a record of 10 wins, three losses, and one overtime loss in 14 games when they score first, with a points percentage of 0.750. The Swamp Rabbits have the same record and points percentage when they score first. This highlights the importance of gaining an early lead for both teams.
Prediction for Tonight’s Game
Given the previous matchup where the Gladiators won 5-3, they might have a psychological edge. However, both teams have strengths that could tip the balance. The Gladiators’ disciplined play and strong penalty kill versus the Swamp Rabbits’ effective power play and balanced roster will make for an exciting game.
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