game day News Release Share this Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators look to close gap over four game set with Comets February 27, 2026 Friday February 27, 2026 vs. Utica Comets (NHL Affiliate: New Jersey Devils) The Set Up After almost a week of rest and practice, the Senators head to Utica to take on the Comets in the first game of back-to-back Friday/Saturday home-and-home sets over the next two weekends. Last Saturday, in a 4-0 loss to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Senators dropped to 21-25-8-0, extending their losing streak to three games and now sit six points out of the final playoff spot in the North Division. Tonight, the Sens face a Comets team that has been inconsistent for much of the season, with their most recent contest ending in a 6-3 road loss to the Hershey Bears, putting them at 4-5-1-0 in their last 10 games. Utica has spent most of the season at the bottom of the North Division standings, posting a 16-25-5-4 record while being outscored 161–121. As we hit the stretch drive, Belleville will need to be nearly perfect, with every point critical to their chances of securing a 2026 berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Previous History As mentioned, Belleville has had the upper hand in the season series, going 3-1-0-0 to this point, and outscoring the Comets 16-10 (14-10 with two shootout goals). Their last meeting, on January 18th at the Canadian Tire Center, was a 5–4 shootout thriller. Arthur Kaliyev netted the game-winner, while Mads Sogaard backstopped the victory. Belleville holds a 26-19-5-0 all-time record against the Comets and will look to build on that mark in what should be a scrappy stretch between the two clubs. Roster Notes There are several roster transactions to note ahead of tonight’s game. On Monday, forwards Tyler Boucher and Stephen Halliday, along with defenceman Carter Yakemchuk, were recalled to Ottawa. However, over the past few days, Boucher and Yakemchuk have been loaned back to Belleville. Kaliyev was also recalled as a precautionary measure by the NHL Senators yesterday, though he did not play. Forward Keean Washkurak will serve the sixth and final game of his suspension, which was handed down following a game against the Syracuse Crunch on February 7th. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens). Who to Watch Jamieson Rees has produced at a point-per-game pace against the Comets this season. Although he has appeared in only three of the four matchups, Rees has recorded three assists. The newly turned 25-year-old brings a “dog-on-a-bone” mentality, pushing ahead in tough areas and winning board battles to generate offence the other way. With 13 points in 43 games, the left-handed winger from Hamilton may not light the lamp every night, but he consistently brings intensity and frustrates opponents in tight spaces. Slowing down Utica’s speed will be key for Belleville, and if Rees is at his best, the Senators will be in good hands. Utica ranks third-last in the AHL in goals scored, but one player helping drive their offence as of late is Kyle Criscuolo. The 13-year AHL veteran has been one of their most consistent performers over his past 10 games, recording six assists and eight points in that span. The Comets likely may not be playoff-bound, but that will not stop professionals from competing hard with plenty of season remaining. If Utica is going to collect points in these next four games against Belleville, Criscuolo’s play will be a major factor. Former Senator Angus Crookshank has recorded 14 goals and 21 points through 40 games in his first season outside of the nation’s capital. Follow the Action: Puck drop tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:45 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. — Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com Engage with the Belleville Sens on X: @BellevilleSens Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens Listen to the Belleville Sens on Mixlr: www.bellevillesens.mixlr.com
After almost a week of rest and practice, the Senators head to Utica to take on the Comets in the first game of back-to-back Friday/Saturday home-and-home sets over the next two weekends. Last Saturday, in a 4-0 loss to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Senators dropped to 21-25-8-0, extending their losing streak to three games and now sit six points out of the final playoff spot in the North Division. Tonight, the Sens face a Comets team that has been inconsistent for much of the season, with their most recent contest ending in a 6-3 road loss to the Hershey Bears, putting them at 4-5-1-0 in their last 10 games. Utica has spent most of the season at the bottom of the North Division standings, posting a 16-25-5-4 record while being outscored 161–121. As we hit the stretch drive, Belleville will need to be nearly perfect, with every point critical to their chances of securing a 2026 berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Previous History As mentioned, Belleville has had the upper hand in the season series, going 3-1-0-0 to this point, and outscoring the Comets 16-10 (14-10 with two shootout goals). Their last meeting, on January 18th at the Canadian Tire Center, was a 5–4 shootout thriller. Arthur Kaliyev netted the game-winner, while Mads Sogaard backstopped the victory. Belleville holds a 26-19-5-0 all-time record against the Comets and will look to build on that mark in what should be a scrappy stretch between the two clubs. Roster Notes There are several roster transactions to note ahead of tonight’s game. On Monday, forwards Tyler Boucher and Stephen Halliday, along with defenceman Carter Yakemchuk, were recalled to Ottawa. However, over the past few days, Boucher and Yakemchuk have been loaned back to Belleville. Kaliyev was also recalled as a precautionary measure by the NHL Senators yesterday, though he did not play. Forward Keean Washkurak will serve the sixth and final game of his suspension, which was handed down following a game against the Syracuse Crunch on February 7th. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens). Who to Watch Jamieson Rees has produced at a point-per-game pace against the Comets this season. Although he has appeared in only three of the four matchups, Rees has recorded three assists. The newly turned 25-year-old brings a “dog-on-a-bone” mentality, pushing ahead in tough areas and winning board battles to generate offence the other way. With 13 points in 43 games, the left-handed winger from Hamilton may not light the lamp every night, but he consistently brings intensity and frustrates opponents in tight spaces. Slowing down Utica’s speed will be key for Belleville, and if Rees is at his best, the Senators will be in good hands. Utica ranks third-last in the AHL in goals scored, but one player helping drive their offence as of late is Kyle Criscuolo. The 13-year AHL veteran has been one of their most consistent performers over his past 10 games, recording six assists and eight points in that span. The Comets likely may not be playoff-bound, but that will not stop professionals from competing hard with plenty of season remaining. If Utica is going to collect points in these next four games against Belleville, Criscuolo’s play will be a major factor. Former Senator Angus Crookshank has recorded 14 goals and 21 points through 40 games in his first season outside of the nation’s capital.
