Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: BSens look to even the score against Cleveland

Sunday, November 15, 2026, vs. Cleveland Monsters (NHL Affiliate: Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Set-Up

Finishing off their Hockey Weekend in Quinte, presented by TMHF, the Senators will be looking to split the weekend series against the Monsters this afternoon. Falling 3-1 yesterday, Belleville got contributions from Xavier Bourgault, who opened the scoring with assists from Tyler Boucher and Philippe Daoust, as well as Jonas Johansson saving 24 of 26, but it would not be enough. Cleveland’s push was fuelled by a two-point night from James Malatesta and a 30-save performance from Evan Gardner to take the first game of this back-to-back at CIBC Place. Postgame, head coach Andrew Campbell said he liked what he saw in the first and third periods, but felt the game got away from the Senators in the middle frame. “The difference for me was in the second period. The first period was great, the third was as well, but the second we just weren’t. They were able to turn the tide and get a couple there. It’s a learning experience again for our guys. We’re working on tying 60 minutes together. We’re good for twenty, we’re good for forty, but it’s a work in progress here.” This afternoon’s game will mark the halfway point in the season series between these two divisional foes, with only four meetings scheduled this season, with the next two will come on the road in Cleveland. The Senators have played in some tight contests as of late, and it will be crucial to put pressure on the Monsters early as both sides look to establish their game on back-to-back days.

Previous History

The only meeting between these two sides this season came yesterday in the aforementioned 3-1 loss. Belleville’s all-time record against the Monsters now sits at 14-20-1-2, with the Senators hoping to cut into that deficit with a win in Sunday’s early afternoon contest.

Roster Notes

As of this morning, there is only one roster move to be aware of heading into this 1:00 p.m. start. Yesterday, goaltender Kevin Reidler was assigned to the ECHL’s Allen Americans. Reidler has appeared in two AHL games this season, posting a .940 save percentage and a 1.53 goals-against average. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop through the team’s social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

Puck movement is going to be crucial for Belleville, especially after a game where space was hard to come by. Christian Kyrou will be an important piece in helping open up the ice and create more offensive opportunities for the Senators. The 23-year-old defenceman has recorded eight assists through 13 games this season, establishing himself as a two-way weapon. Kyrou has found himself running the point on the Senators’ power-play unit, where his ability to distribute the puck and find shooting lanes can make a difference, especially with recent games being decided on the man advantage. In what should be another close game, being able to stretch the ice and create more room will be important, making Kyrou one to keep an eye on as the Senators push for two big points.

Scoring once and adding an assist in the first game of the weekend, James Malatesta helped spark Cleveland’s offence after a quieter stretch. The Montreal, Quebec native has recorded eight points through 11 games so far and is on pace for his most productive AHL season to date. Malatesta’s most noticeable feature is his motor, something that never seems to stop once he hits the ice. Despite standing at just 5-foot-9, he plays with plenty of physicality and is not afraid to get involved along the boards or finish his checks. His speed and relentless approach make him an effective forechecker, something that was on full display in the opening game of this weekend’s series. With his recent offensive production starting to come around, he is a player Belleville will need to keep an eye on as they look to slow down the Monsters.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 12:45 p.m. ET from CIBC Place in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. with David Foot and Zach McGibbon 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.