Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators looking for revenge at home versus Crunch

Saturday February 7, 2026 vs Syracuse Crunch (NHL Affiliate: Tampa Bay Lightning)

The Set Up:

Coming off a 5-3 loss Friday night against the Syracuse Crunch, the Senators are looking to reverse the outcome against that same divisional rival as they return to CAA Arena after seven games on the road. Last night, in a game that felt different from other regular-season bouts, the pressure was on to produce and grab another two points as the race for positioning in the North Division remains tight. Postgame, Interim Head Coach Andrew Campbell was not upset with the effort, noting that the group simply needs to turn the page and focus on Saturday night. “”We did a lot of good things, I’m not upset about the effort whatsoever. We generated a ton, I thought we defended hard”…”Gotta turn the page, and move onto tomorrow”. When it comes to tonight’s rematch, Campbell also mentioned that execution on critical plays will be key to creating more scoring chances. With the loss, the Senators’ record moves to 20-20-8-0 for 48 points, while the Crunch improve to 25-16-3-1 with 54 points, sitting alone in second place. Carter Yakemchuk shined in Friday night’s battle, scoring twice and now owning three goals in his last three games, while Oskar Pettersson extended his point streak to four games with an assist. For Syracuse, it was the depth that chipped in with key tallies, as Lucas Mercuri and Maxim Groshev both found the back of the net. Ethan Gauthier also scored twice, including the eventual game-winner, making it critical for Belleville to win the small battles and bring a strong, physical effort again in what should be a gritty second half of this home-and-home series.

Previous History:

The season series now sits at 2-2-0-0 for the Senators following Friday night’s defeat. That result brings the all-time record between the two clubs to 24-23-2-3, showing just how closely contested these matchups have been over the years. While Belleville sits at the .500 mark against Syracuse this season, the Senators have been outshot 144–100 through the four meetings, emphasizing the need for tighter play following a physical contest last night. Heading back to CAA Arena on Saturday, Belleville has faced the Crunch just once at home this season, dropping a 5–3 decision on October 19th. In that loss, Cam Crotty, Wyatt Bongiovanni, and Lassi Thomson provided the scoring, while Leevi Merilainen stopped 35 of 40 shots. The next matchup between the two teams will take place on February 18th for another Winning Wednesday at CAA Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Roster Notes:

There is one transaction to pass along today: defenceman Djibril Toure was reassigned to Belleville from the Senators’ ECHL affiliate, the Allen Americans. After being loaned back yesterday from the Ottawa Senators, Stephen Halliday recorded two assists in his return, along with one shot on goal and two penalty minutes. Forward Hayden Hodgson will also serve game three of his five-game suspension after being ejected Saturday against Cleveland. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

One skater who has stood out halfway through this season series is Stephen Halliday. In the four contests so far, Halliday has recorded seven assists while putting eight shots on net. The forward has split his time between Ottawa and Belleville this season, making an impact at both levels. In the AHL, No. 34 has registered 28 points and sits second on the Senators with 26 assists, just behind Philippe Daoust (27), through 23 games. When Halliday is on the ice, his impact is unlike any other, and when it comes to making big plays under pressure, he thrives in games like tonight’s.

Though his scoring may not jump off the page, Lucas Mercuri made his presence felt in a big way Friday night. Scoring an opening-period goal and dropping the gloves with Jan Jenik, Mercuri was a disruptive force, paining the Senators. Leading the Crunch with 67 penalty minutes on the season, the Montreal skater has consistently caused problems for opponents, and that physical edge is likely to carry over following a heated finish on Friday. In his first full AHL season, Mercuri has posted 14 points, including eight goals, and could once again be a difference-maker in multiple facets to close out this home-and-home matchup.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. with David Foot and Brock Ormond, and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey, with a free-to-listen option available on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network.

Ticket Info:

Tickets for all Belleville Sens 2025-26 home games are now on sale via Ticketmaster or at the Belleville Sens Box Office located inside the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre. Details on season seat memberships, flex packs, premium seating, the Business Edge Program, and more can be found by visiting the Belleville Sens Website. 

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