Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Belleville faces Rochester in crucial North Division matchup

Wednesday February 4, 2026 vs Rochester Americans (NHL Affiliate: Buffalo Sabres)

The Set Up:

With only two games left on the road trip, the Belleville Senators are looking to end things on a high note as they roll intoBlue Cross Arena to face the Rochester Americans. Coming off losses in regulation and overtime in Cleveland over the weekend, where the Senators fought back to earn at least one point, they now turn to a familiar foe in the Amerks, needing another big two points against a divisional opponent. Belleville sits just two points back of Rochester and four points out of a tie for second in the North Division. The Americans are no easy task, holding a 21-15-4-1 record and boasting Zac Jones, who sits third in the AHL in assists, along with star goaltender Devon Levi, who has started five of the six meetings between the teams this season. Though the Senators (2-1-2) and the Americans (2-2-1) have both collected the majority of available points over their last five games, every play feels critical in what has become a tight playoff push as a new month begins, and the All-Star Break nears. In game seven of eight in this regular-season series, if past matchups are any indication, fans should expect another competitive and physical contest as both teams jockey for position.

Previous History:

The last time these two teams met was January 16 in Belleville, where the Senators earned a 5–4 overtime victory on a goal from Arthur Kaliyev. On the season, Belleville sits at 2-2-2-0 against Rochester, having been outscored 27–18 during those matchups, compared to a 3-5-0-0 record last year. All-time, Belleville has found success against Rochester, posting a 29-19-7-1 record over 56 games. Following tonight’s contest, the two rivals will not meet again until early April, when the season series wraps up back at Blue Cross Arena.

Roster Notes:

As of this morning, there are no roster moves to report for the B-Sens ahead of tonight’s game. The most recent returnee, Xavier Bourgault, played against the Monsters on Saturday night and registered an assist along with two shots in the 6–5 overtime loss. Goaltender Mads Sogaard has also begun to make the trek to Italy to represent Denmark at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, while forward Hayden Hodgson will serve the first game of a five game suspension he was handed yesterday, after a hit early in the game on Saturday in Cleveland. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Olle Lycksell has been through injuries this season and recalls, but that hasn’t stopped him from being one of Belleville’s most consistent point producers. The Swedish winger has recorded 15 points in 20 games, good for a 0.75 points-per-game pace, which ranks sixth on the Senators. Since returning from injury, Lycksell has registered points in both of his last two games, totaling one goal and one assist. His offensive impact is nothing new, and with two points in three meetings against the Amerks this season, he is once again a name to watch heading into tonight.

Riley Fiddler-Schultz has also enjoyed a productive stretch, sitting tied for second in Americans’ scoring with 11 goals and ranking inside the team’s top five in points. In his third season with Rochester, the 23-year-old has recorded 23 points in 42 games and has been on a strong run of late. Over his last 12 games, Fiddler-Schultz has produced 10 points (five goals), accounting for nearly half of his season total during that span. All things considered, if the Americans are generating offence, Fiddler-Schultz is likely to be a major contributor.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:05 p.m. ET from Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:55 p.m. with David Foot and Tyler King, 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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