game day Share this Game Day Build-Up: Senators at Crunch – March 20, 2022 March 20, 2022 Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397 The Set-Up: A hectic week concludes for the Belleville Senators tonight, as they play their fourth game since Tuesday in Syracuse, against the Crunch (Tampa Bay Lightning). Belleville has so far earned three-of-six points over the week, with a 3-2 overtime loss to Utica on Tuesday, a 3-2 win over Hershey on Friday and a 5-2 regulation loss to Hartford last night. The Crunch had a six-game point streak and three-game win streak snapped last night in Bridgeport, where they lost 7-4 to the Islanders. Previous History: Tonight’s game is the seventh of eight in what’s been a fairly even season series. Belleville’s record against Syracuse in 2021-22 is 3-3-0-0, with a 2-2-0-0 mark at home and 1-1-0-0 at the Upstate Medical University Arena. Their last meetings came at CAA Arena on February 21 and 22, with Belleville splitting those games by a 6-2 loss and 4-1 win. The Belleville Sens lifetime record against Syracuse is 10-12-1-1 and 2-7-1-1 in Syracuse. Roster Notes: The Senators will be without forward Rourke Chartier, who suffered a fracture to his hand, after blocking a shot in the first period last night. Belleville is also missing defender Lassi Thomson due to injury, as well as Michael Del Zotto, though Coach Troy Mann says he will likely return to the lineup on Wednesday in Laval. Belleville does get a bit of bolstering on the back-end though, as Dillon Heatherington has been returned from Ottawa (NHL) and will play tonight. Mads Sogaard is slated to get the start in goal tonight, with full lineup details available prior to puck drop. Who to Watch: There will be some focus on the Belleville blue line tonight, with a pair of defencemen reaching significant career milestones. Jonathan Aspirot, who also has points in back-to-back games (two goals), is playing in his 100th career American Hockey League contest. Fellow defender Jack Dougherty, who notched his 50th career AHL assist last night for his first point of the season, is playing in his 100th game as a Belleville Senator. Forward Cole Reinhardt snapped a four-game pointless streak last night with a goal and an assist and was named the game’s third star. For Syracuse, forward Otto Somppi had a goal and an assist in the Crunch’s loss to Bridgeport last night, but he’s been hot of late, with seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last five games played. In the crease, goaltender Max Legace has a personal three-game win streak and six-game point streak. Another notable name on the Crunch roster, should he dress tonight, is Declan Carlile. The 21 year-old Michigan native is waiting to make his AHL debut, after signing an entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning this week. That comes after a season with the Wellington Dukes and three campaigns at Merrimack College. Follow the action: Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be heard on the Belleville Sens Official Broadcast Partner 800 AM CJBQ, with David Foot (Broadcast time is 6:50 p.m.). The game can also be streamed live on AHL TV. Don’t forget to download the Belleville Senators app before game time and follow the Sens social media (@BellevilleSens) for updates. — Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com Engage with the Belleville Sens on Twitter: @BellevilleSens Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens
