Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators get rematch with Rocket and a chance to extend point streak

Saturday, November 22, 2025 @ Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadiens)

The set-up:

Their four-game win streak may have ended with a 4-3 overtime defeat in Laval last night, but the Belleville Senators are still on a five-game point streak, thanks to a goal from Xavier Bourgault in the final minute to force overtime. The single point also moves Belleville into a three-way tie with Rochester and Syracuse at 20 points, now two points back of the Rocket. The Senators can get even with Laval, both figuratively and in the standings, if they can avenge yesterday’s loss and earn a regulation victory this afternoon. That would tie the Sens and Rocket with 22 points atop the North. But, Belleville will again have to keep their emotions in check in front of a large Place Bell crowd that will be itching to let the fur fly, on the Rocket’s annual Teddy Bear Toss.

Previous History:

Today’s game is the 95th between Belleville and Laval since the two clubs joined the American Hockey League in 2017-18. Last night’s loss drops the Senators’ lifetime record against the Rocket to 49-37-4-4, and 23-22-2-0 at Place Bell. Xavier Bourgault (one goal, three assists) and Arthur Kaliyev (two goals, two assists) are Belleville’s leading scorers against Laval. In contrast, Laurent Dauphin (two goals, three assists) continues to be the Rocket’s highest scorer against the Senators this season. After today’s game, the Sens and Rocket will meet again next on December 5 and 6, back in Belleville.

Roster Notes:

There have been no transactions reported for the Senators yet this morning. Stephen Halliday, Lassi Thomson, Leevi Merilainen, Hayden Hodgson and Olle Lycksell were all with the NHL Senators as of Friday evening, with Danny Katic and Mark Duarte still in Belleville from the ECHL Allen Americans. Mads Sogaard returned from injury last night and Garrett Pilon has been creeping closer to a return. Matt Andonovski, Hunter Shepard, and Tyler Boucher make up the rest of the Senators injured list. Full lineup details will be available via the Sens social media channels (@BellevilleSens) about half an hour ahead of puck drop.  

Who to Watch:

After scoring again last night, Sens forward Arthur Kaliyev has extended his franchise record goal streak to seven games. Kaliyev also had an assist on Xavier Bourgault’s late-game-tying goal last night, and along with Bourgault, has four points in the season series. Kaliyev (as well as Phil Daoust and Stephen Halliday) are all among a logjam of players tied for third in AHL points at 16. Kaliyev is also second in the league in goals scored (10) and just one behind John Leonard from the Grand Rapids Griffins. He’s also the league leader in power play goals (5), and tied for the league lead in shots on goal (60), while Bourgault is tied for the league lead in shorthanded goals (2). Defenceman Carter Yakemchuk’s 12 points (three goals, nine assists) have him tied for 5th in the AHL’s rookie scoring race. He’s also third in scoring among defenders.

For the Rocket, Laurent Dauphin is now tied for the league lead in points (19) after notching two assists yesterday, and is on a four-game point streak (one goal, four assists). Luke Tuch had a goal and an assist for Laval last night, while highly-touted defensive prospect David Reinbacher also scored.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop this afternoon is set for 3:00 p.m. ET from Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:50 p.m. ET with David Foot, available on AHLTV on FloHockey or free to listen on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. The game is also free as part of the AHLTV on FloHockey “Free Social Game of the Week” available on the AHL social feeds.

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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