Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend concludes as Sens host Bruins

Saturday, November 7, 2026, vs. Providence Bruins (NHL Affiliate: Boston Bruins)

The Set-Up

Coming off a hard-fought victory last night, the Belleville Senators hope to close out Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend presented by CIBC on a high note as the Providence Bruins make their first visit to Belleville this season. The Senators defeated the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 3-1 last night, fueled by a strong performance in net from Jackson Parsons, who stopped 34 of 35 shots. Xavier Bourgault scored the game-winning goal and added an assist. After the game, head coach Andrew Campbell praised his team’s effort in a tightly contested matchup. “It was a really competitive game. Both teams played hard, and it was a tight-checking game with little room. They got two power plays, and we got none, but the guys competed hard, and we came out on top.” The Senators now sit at 14 points and a 6-5-2-0 record, with their sights set on the Bruins tonight. Providence is also playing the second half of a back-to-back, coming off a late comeback victory over the Hamilton Hammers. The Bruins erupted for five goals in the third period, led by a three-goal performance from Mikey Eyssimont, to secure a 5-4 regulation win. Alongside Eyssimont, the Bruins boast several notable names, including Brendan Gaunce, Alex Steeves and goaltender Jiri Patera, who has been solid between the pipes this season. On a night when both sides played hard, establishing pace will be key to earning a big two points. The first of two meetings between the Senators and Bruins this season gets underway at 7:00 p.m. at CIBC Place.

Previous History

Looking back to last season, Providence had the upper hand in the season series, pushing the Senators to a 0-3-1-0 record. The last meeting between these two sides came on February 20th, when the Bruins topped Belleville 5-2. Both Senators goals came from former forwards Arthur Kaliyev and Olle Lycksell. All-time, Belleville holds a 5-5-2-2 record against the Rhode Island-based franchise. The Sens and Bruins will only play twice this season, with the return leg back on Rhode Island in mid-January.

Roster Notes

As of this morning, there are no roster moves to report. Forwards Phil Tomasino and Sammy Blais, and goaltender Jonas Johansson remain with the NHL Senators in Ottawa, who host the Utah Mammoth tonight at Canadian Tire Centre. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop through the team’s social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

After snapping a four-game pointless streak last night, Oskar Pettersson continues to prove himself as a reliable two-way option for Belleville this season. The Swedish forward brings a strong combination of size, physicality and end-to-end play, giving the Senators another option throughout their forward group. After recording 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) over 69 games last season, Pettersson is looking to build on that production in his fourth AHL campaign. Through his first 12 games this season, he has recorded four points (one goal, three assists) while continuing to contribute away from the scoresheet. His presence on the third line last night, alongside center Eskild Bakke Olsen and winger Luke Ellinas, was noticeable. Pettersson was effective on the forecheck, creating problems for the opposition while logging significant minutes. He is one to watch as the Senators look to finish the weekend with a perfect four points.

For Providence Bruins goaltender Jiri Patera, the 2026-27 season has marked a strong start to a new chapter in his professional career. In his first season with Providence, Patera has quickly established himself as a reliable option between the pipes. Through his first six appearances, he has recorded a 3-3-0-1 record with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, along with one shutout. Patera is a technically sound goaltender with a solid frame who has provided a calm presence in net for Providence this season. Standing at 6-foot-2, the left-catching netminder will look to carry his strong early-season form into tonight’s matchup against the Senators as the Bruins look to earn another two points on the road.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 6:45 p.m. ET from CIBC Place in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. with David Foot and Brock Ormond, which can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey.

Once again, the full 2026-27 Belleville Senators schedule is available by clicking here.

More information on season seat memberships, Sens on Demand ticketing, premium seating, the Business Edge program, and more can be found by visiting the Belleville Sens Website.