Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators road trip starts against Atlantic-leading Penguins

Wednesday January 21, 2026 vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (NHL Affiliate: Pittsburgh Penguins)

The Step Up

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is the site of the first stop on a seven-game road trip as the Senators look to continue their hot streak. Coming off an exciting 5–4 shootout win in the nation’s capital at the Canadian Tire Centre, Belleville is riding a five-game point streak, going 4-0-1 during that span, and appears to have all four lines rolling. Now, the Senators face their next challenge in an opponent they have not yet seen this season: the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The club from the Electric City is tied for first in the Atlantic Division with Providence at 55 points, holding a 26-11-1-2 record and trailing only the Grand Rapids Griffins for first place in the entire league. One similarity between the two teams lies in their last 10 games, as both have gone 5-4-1. It should be an interesting start to the short, season series as North and Atlantic Division teams battle it out, before Belleville heads into a back-to-back this weekend, beginning January 23rd against the Providence Bruins.

Roster Notes

When it comes to the roster, there is once again only one move to note. Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen was loaned to Belleville, while Hunter Shepard was recalled to Ottawa and will join them on the road trip. The injury list also changed from Sunday’s edition, as defenceman Carter Yakemchuk returned to the lineup against Utica, ending his 12-game absence. The Sens are also expected to get captain Garrett Pilon back from a six-game injury break, while forwards Jake Chiasson, Olle Lycksell, and Philippe Daoust, did not travel. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Previous History: 

As mentioned earlier, this will be the first meeting between the two this season starting in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and finishing back in Belleville on March 20th. It’s only the 13th lifetime meeting between the Sens and Pens, with Belleville going 2-2-0-0 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season. Lifetime, the Sens are 6-6-0-0, with a 4-2-0-0 record when playing in Pennsylvania.

Who to Watch:

During this hot streak for the Senators, Wyatt Bongiovanni has been a bright spot in a lineup that continues to find the back of the net. After being held pointless for three straight games, Bongiovanni responded with six points in his last four contests, including two goals, bringing his season total to eleven. That point streak was extended Sunday afternoon when he delivered a tough pass to Tyler Boucher in front for the Senators’ second goal of the game. Bongiovanni has been highly productive, and his scoring touch is one to watch down the stretch. Boucher (three goals, two assists) and defender Lassi Thomson (three goals, two assists) are also on four-game point streaks, while Stephen Halliday has points in eight consecutive AHL games (one goal, 11 assists).

On pace for his best season yet, Tristan Broz has been a driving force for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton all year long. Forty games in, Broz leads the team in both points (28) and goals (14), showcasing his consistent presence. More recently, the 23-year-old has tallied four goals and eight points in his last five games, highlighted by a three-assist, four-point night against the Charlotte Checkers. If the Penguins are winning, Broz is likely involved, making him a key player to watch tonight.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:05 p.m. ET from Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:55 p.m. with David Foot 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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