Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Playoff push continues as Senators host Monsters

Wednesday March 18, 2026, vs. Cleveland Monsters (NHL Affiliate: Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Set Up

The Belleville Senators are set to kick off a critical five-game homestand starting tonight against the Cleveland Monsters. Coming off a sweep in Hershey against the Bears, capped by a 5-2 victory on Sunday, the Senators are hoping to continue their playoff push this evening. There were plenty of contributors, including goals from Tomas Hamara, Landen Hookey, Olle Lycksell, Xavier Bourgault, and Graeme Clarke. Carter Yakemchuk had another multi-assist night with two, while Leevi Merilainen saved 38 of 40 shots in the win. This victory puts the Senators at 24-28-8-0 (56 points), just three points back of the final playoff spot in the North, currently held by the Rochester Americans. Now, Belleville faces an even bigger test against a pushing Monsters team. Cleveland has been collecting points pretty consistently, winning three of their last five contests and going 6-4-0-0 in their last ten games. This success has been led by a young trio: Luca Del Bel Belluz (49 points), Mikael Pyyhtia (37 points), and Luca Pinelli (35 points). They’ve helped push the team into the top three in the North with 71 points and a 32-20-6-1 record. With all the momentum Belleville has gained, this matchup should be competitive as they look to deliver on another Winning Wednesday at CAA Arena.

Previous History

The Senators are still searching for their first win against the Monsters this season, as the series sits at 0-2-1-0. The last meeting between the two came in Cleveland on the second half of a back-to-back, where Belleville lost 6-5 in overtime. The Senators nearly completed a comeback with a three-goal third period, led by Carter Yakemchuk, Jamieson Rees, and former Senator Jan Jenik. In the end, an overtime winner from Dysin Mayo and a three-point night from Luca Del Bel Belluz secured the weekend sweep for the Monsters in late January. All-time, Belleville is 14-18-1-2 against Cleveland and has one more opportunity to improve that record before wrapping up the season series tonight.

Roster Notes

There are no new roster moves to note at this time. As an update from last week, Dennis Gilbert appeared in two NHL games, recording one shot, four hits, and three blocks while averaging 12:14 of ice time. Both Gilbert and most recently called-up Lassi Thomson remain in Ottawa. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

Since returning from his six-game suspension, Keean Washkurak has been very noticeable, especially during the Senators’ three-game winning streak. Currently on his longest point streak of the season (three games), with one goal and two assists, Washkurak has been one of many depth players stepping up at a critical point in the season. Bringing both physicality and production, the Kitchener, Ontario native will not back down from a fight, something that will be essential in the final twelve games.

After snapping a four-game pointless streak against the Marlies on Tuesday afternoon, Luca Pinelli’s rookie season continues to trend positively. The 2005 draftee has fit in well, posting 10 goals and 35 points in 55 games this season. The Ottawa 67’s alumnus has also made his NHL debut, appearing in three games for the Blue Jackets this season, showing clear progression since turning pro in 2024–25. The 5’9″ forward brings pace and energy to every shift, pressuring opponents into mistakes. If the Monsters want to disrupt the Senators’ rhythm, Pinelli will be a key factor.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:45 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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