Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators set for final showdown with Bruins

Friday February 20, 2026 vs Providence Bruins (NHL Affiliate: Boston Bruins)

The Set-Up:

In what was a close game right until the end, the Belleville Senators came up just short in their 2–1 loss to the Syracuse Crunch on Wednesday night at home, and now have their sights set on the Bruins in the first game of their final two-game road trip of the season to the Atlantic Division. Wednesday night’s showdown featured a short-side goal from Scott Harrington, with Hayden Hodgson and Garrett Pilon picking up the assists. In his third straight start, Leevi Merilainen saved 21 of 23 shots in the loss, making several key saves to keep the Senators close. Their opponent in Providence has been on quite a run lately, winning their last 12 games dating back to January 17th in Cleveland. The Bruins, who currently lead the Atlantic Division, have put together an impressive 37-8-1-0 record for 75 points on the year, placing them second in the league just behind the Grand Rapids Griffins. Providence has been fueled by All-Star Patrick Brown, the only Bruin in the league’s top 20 in scoring with 43 points, but they also boast a very strong goaltending duo. Michael DiPietro and Simon Zajicek have combined for a .933 save percentage and a 1.92 goals-against average while accounting for 32 of the Bruins’ 37 wins this season. Needless to say, the Senators’ top scorers will have to be on their A-game for some big points, as Interim Head Coach Andrew Campbell said in his post-game availability that the Senators “still have twenty in front of us to make a good push”.

Previous History:

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the B-Sens and P-Bruins, and through three games played so far this season, Belleville is 0-2-1-0 versus Providence. The last meeting was a close one, with the Bruins tying the game late to force overtime before Fabian Lysell put home the game-winner for a 2-1 final score. Keean Washkurak had the lone goal for Belleville, with Oskar Pettersson picking up the assist. Lifetime against the Bruins, the Senators are 5-4-2-2, including a 2-1-2-1 record on the road in Providence.

Roster Notes:

Four Belleville Sens were briefly recalled to Ottawa to practice with the NHL Senators on Thursday. Forwards Oskar Pettersson, Tyler Boucher, and Arthur Kaliyev, plus defenceman Carter Yakemchuk, joined a long skate at the Bell Sensplex to help fill out the NHL club’s roster, with many players still away at, or making their way back from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Forward Hayden Hodgson returned to the lineup Wednesday after finishing his five-game suspension. Versus the Crunch, Hodgson recorded an assist on the Senators’ only goal of the contest. Forward Keean Washkurak continues to serve his six-game suspension, with tonight marking the fourth game. Forward Jan Jenik, defenceman Cam Crotty and goaltender Hunter Shepard are all still on the injury reserve and Interim Head Coach Andrew Campbell says, unfortunately, none of those injuries are considered “short term”. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Since making his debut with the Senators back in November, Dennis Gilbert has been a calming presence on the Belleville blue line. The 2015 draft pick has recorded 11 points (all assists) in 31 games this season between Belleville and Lehigh Valley. Settling into a top-four role, Gilbert has gelled quickly, no easy task when stepping into a new environment and system. Facing a quick and red-hot Bruins team, Belleville will need stability, and Gilbert can provide that when needed most. The Buffalo, New York native will be leaned on during this road trip as the Senators look to pick up some wins before returning home.

After tallying just one point across his previous eight games, Georgii Merkulov has since erupted for nine points over his last eight contests. Sitting second in team scoring for Providence at 37 points, Merkulov has been a consistent producer since his first season in 2021-22 and is looking to help lead the Bruins to one of the most successful seasons in franchise history. The 25-year-old does not rely on a physical presence but instead uses his vision and playmaking ability to generate chances for teammates while remaining a scoring threat himself. His hot stick will be one to watch as the Bruins attempt to extend their winning streak to 13 games.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:05 p.m. ET from Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:50 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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