Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators Enter Must-Win Weekend vs. Moose

Friday March 27, 2026, vs. Manitoba Moose (NHL Affiliate: Winnipeg Jets)

The Set Up

After five days of rest and practice, the Belleville Senators are back in action, taking on the Manitoba Moose in a back-to-back set at home starting tonight. Coming off a frustrating 5–3 loss last Saturday against the Springfield Thunderbirds, Belleville will need to put that defeat in the rearview mirror as the playoff race becomes more urgent. The Senators got tallies from Tyler Boucher, Samuel Bolduc, and rookie Carter Yakemchuk, but it was not enough. The Thunderbirds’ special teams shined early, as their penalty kill produced two shorthanded goals in the first six minutes of the game, with Dylan Peterson notching two goals on the night. With that loss, Belleville now sits four points out of a playoff spot, currently held at 61 points by the Rochester Americans. Now, the Senators turn their attention to the Central Division’s Manitoba Moose. Manitoba, who sits at 64 points with a 29-25-5-1 record, has struggled as of late, losing their last three games while allowing four goals in each of those contests. The Moose will not be a new opponent for the Senators, but one they will need to quickly reacquaint themselves with, as crucial points are on the line at CAA Arena this weekend.

Previous History

This back-to-back set will mark the final two meetings of the season between the two teams, following their first games back in November. The most recent matchup was a 5–1 loss, as the Moose jumped out to an early lead with four first-period goals from Mason Shaw, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Brad Lambert, and Samuel Fagemo. The lone Senator to find the back of the net was Olle Lycksell, with assists from Arthur Kaliyev and Dennis Gilbert. The season series is currently even at 1-1-0-0, though the Moose hold a slight edge in total goals, outscoring Belleville 7–6. Historically, however, the Senators have the upper hand, owning a 20-15-5-0 record against Manitoba.

Roster Notes

There are a few roster moves to note as the Senators return to action. Over the weekend, defenceman Sam Sedley was released from his professional tryout. With two injuries in the Ottawa Senators’ game on Monday against the New York Rangers (Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson) were placed on injured reserve, it opened the door for recalls from Belleville, as defencemen Jorian Donovan and Carter Yakemchuk were recalled and made their NHL debuts that same day in Detroit against the Red Wings. In a 3–2 victory, Yakemchuk recorded not only his first NHL point but also his first NHL goal, playing 12:46 and adding two blocked shots. With his debut, Jorian Donovan, along with his father Shean Donovan, became the first father-son duo to play for the Senators. Donovan logged 4:42 of ice time over seven shifts, making several key plays to help keep the game tight.  In terms of injuries, veteran blueliner Cam Crotty will return to action for the Sens for the first time since February 4, 2026 at Rochester, while forward Keean Washkurak was added to the injured list this week. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

Scott Harrington is providing a veteran presence on the back end, continuing to anchor a defensive group that has seen plenty of recent changes. A seven-year AHL veteran, Harrington has recorded three goals and 16 points through 59 games this season, offering steady play and leadership from the blue line. With the defensive core adjusting to new personnel, he will be relied upon to help stabilize things and guide the group through a crucial stretch. As the team pushes for valuable points in the playoff race, Harrington’s experience and game-by-game approach will be a key factor in their success.

Brayden Yager is continuing to grind through a steady rookie campaign with the Manitoba Moose, contributing in a middle six role while looking to snap a recent skid. Currently on a three-game pointless streak, Yager has recorded nine goals and 25 points through 60 games this season. While the offensive production hasn’t come in bursts, he has provided consistent minutes and support throughout the lineup. As the Moose search for more scoring down the stretch, Yager will be counted on to rediscover his touch and play a key role in helping generate offence.

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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