Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators continue playoff push in final meeting with Rocket

Saturday, April 11, 2026, vs. Laval Rocket (NHL Affiliate: Montreal Canadiens)

The Set Up

Coming off a wild win last night against the Rocket, the Belleville Senators are looking to continue their magic in an afternoon affair back at Place Bell. A 7–6 thriller is where the Senators left this rivalry, fueled by some dominant performances from their scoring leaders. Xavier Bourgault notched his first hat trick of the season, while Arthur Kaliyev scored the game-tying goal and secured the game-winning marker. Olle Lycksell (one goal and three assists), Philippe Daoust (two assists), and Samuel Bolduc (two assists) also played big roles on the scoresheet in the victory. This win now puts the Senators eight points back of the Rochester Americans, who still hold the fifth and final playoff spot in the North Division. Belleville will look to ride this momentum and replicate their scoring success against a Laval team eager to bounce back and return to form. After the win, interim head coach Andrew Campbell said he was happy with the team’s response when things got hard and physical. “For sure, these are always emotional games in this building. The crowd gets on the referees, starts chanting. Their team feeds off that”… “Just really impressed with our guys, and I’m proud of the way they responded.” Tonight marks the tenth and final meeting of the season between these two North Division foes, with puck drop set for 3:00 p.m.

Previous History

The season record versus Laval is all even at 4-4-1-0 for Belleville, and with a win today, the Senators could take the series and extend their playoff hopes. Belleville has won three of the last four matchups against the Rocket, outscoring them 17–15. The Senators’ all-time record in this matchup now sits at 52-40-4-4.

Roster Notes

There are no changes to the roster as the Senators head into this matinee matchup. In his return last night, defenceman Carter Yakemchuk recorded two assists and a shot on goal. Forward Keean Washkurak, in his first game back from from injury, got right into the hard areas, recording a shot on goal along with four penalty minutes. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Senators’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

Playing in his home province this season, Xavier Bourgault has flourished under the bright lights. With a hat trick last night, his season total against the Rocket now sits at 12 points, including eight goals in nine games. The winger is having a career year, with 54 points (23 goals) through 66 contests, using his hands effectively in tight spaces to make big plays. Skating on the top line with Philippe Daoust and Arthur Kaliyev, the trio has been strong all season and continues to show why they can be trusted in key moments. Another critical game looms for Belleville, and they will need yet another big performance from the L’Islet-born playmaker.

Samuel Blais made his presence felt in a big way last night, delivering both skill and physicality for Laval. The Quebec native put together a three-point performance, scoring twice and adding an assist, with two of those points coming on the power play. Originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in 2014, Blais has built a reputation as a high-energy forward who thrives in hard areas of the ice. His game is driven by physical play, relentless puck pursuit, and a willingness to battle around the crease, traits that often open up scoring chances for both himself and his teammates. Though we might not see another thirteen goal night between these two sides, Blais will be involved in one way or another tonight.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 3:00 p.m. ET from Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:45 p.m. with David Foot and Zach Staden, 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. 

Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are also on sale now.  Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like a team-signed jersey, game-used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year!   

To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.   

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