Game Day Build-Up: Senators vs Penguins – March 25, 2022

Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397

The Set-Up:

The Belleville Senators are back on home ice this weekend as they host a pair of foes from Pennsylvania, for back-to-back games at CAA Arena. Tonight’s opponent is the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins), who are also sitting in sixth place in their division and battling to hold on to a Calder Cup playoff spot. The Senators return home after a 2-1 shootout win in Laval on Wednesday, that saw Clark Bishop score the only goal in regulation, with Jake Lucchini and Egor Sokolov scoring in the shootout, and Mads Sogaard making 29 saves on 30 shots. The Penguins most recently split a pair of games in Toronto against the Marlies, winning 5-1 on Tuesday and losing 6-1 on Wednesday.

Previous History:

Tonight’s meeting is just the second-of-two in the season series between the Sens and Pens, with Belleville holding a 1-0 advantage, after picking up a 2-1 win at Mohegan Sun Arena back in February. Andrew Agozzino and Parker Kelly both scored in that game for Belleville, with Filip Gustavsson earning the win. This is just Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s second ever visit to CAA Arena as well. Belleville has a 1-2-0-0 lifetime record against the Penguins and an 0-1-0-0 mark at home.

Roster Notes:

Just one minor change on the back end for Belleville tonight, as Max Guenette gets the game off, in favour of Jack Dougherty. Mads Sogaard will start again between the pipes, backed up by newly-acquired Michael McNiven, who could make his Belleville Sens debut tomorrow against Lehigh Valley. The Senators’ other new pick-up, forward Zach Senyshyn, will play on a line with Jake Lucchini and Andrew Agozzino. Belleville’s scratches tonight include Xavier Bernard, Rourke Chartier (IR), Chris Wilkie, Cedric Pare, Kevin Mandolese (IR), and Lassi Thomson (IR).

Who to Watch:

Clark Bishop has been the most notable piece of Belleville’s offence over the past couple of games, putting up three goals and one assist. Line mate Scott Sabourin has five assists over his last five games played, while defender Jonathan Aspirot had five shots on goal last game. Forward Zach Senyshyn had one shot on goal in his first game as a Senator on Wednesday, but makes his home debut tonight.

The Penguins lineup boasts a handful of highly-touted prospects, including Alex Nylander. The 24 year-old brother of Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is second in Penguins team scoring with 31 points (18 goals, 13 assists). Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is led offensively by Valtteri Puustinen, who has 17 goals and 17 assists, for 34 points.

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.

Ticket info:

CAA Arena is back to 100% capacity, with no vaccine mandate in place. Other local and provincial COVID-19 guidelines must still be followed, including the wearing of masks inside CAA Arena, unless actively eating or drinking. Tickets for tonight’s game are available via Ticketmaster or the CAA Arena Box Office (open today 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

Tickets for further Belleville Sens home games this season can be purchased through the same methods. Season Ticket Memberships and Flex Packs are also available with more information available at bellevillesens.com.

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