Game Day Build-Up: B-Sens battle T-Birds at CAA Arena as playoff push continues

Belleville Sens Game Day Build-Up
Apr.5/24 vs Springfield Thunderbirds (NHL Affiliate: St. Louis Blues)                      

The Set-Up/Playoff Picture:

With just eight games remaining in the 2023-24 American Hockey League regular season, the Belleville Sens return home to CAA Arena this weekend, for a couple more big games on the chase for the Calder Cup Playoffs. After splitting their two-game set last weekend in Laval, the Senators host the Springfield Thunderbirds, who are in a similar spot to Belleville, in terms of their standings in the Atlantic Division. Both teams are just outside the playoff picture, but not by much, with Belleville trailing Laval by just two points for the final spot in the North, while Springfield is only two points behind Lehigh Valley for the final playoff position in the Atlantic. The full playoff picture can be found via the American Hockey League’s Playoff Primer.

Previous History:

This is the second of only two meetings between Belleville and Springfield this season, with the Thunderbirds picking up a 6-3 win at the MassMutual Center back on November 3, 2023. Jiri Smejkal notched his first two points for the Senators in that game (one goal, one assist), while Garrett Pilon and Egor Sokolov also scored in the defeat. Lifetime against the T-Birds, the B-Sens are 1-10-1-0 and 1-4-1-0 on home ice.

Roster Notes:

The Senators have had two transactions since their games in Laval last weekend, as part of an exchange of forwards on the same day earlier this week. Jiri Smejkal was recalled to the NHL, while Rourke Chartier was returned on loan from Ottawa. A complete list of recent transactions can be found here. Full lineup details, including tonight’s alignment, will be available prior to puck drop via the B-Sens social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Belleville blueliners have continued to contribute on the offensive side of the puck of late, especially last Saturday in Laval. Jacob Larsson recorded the first four-point game of his AHL career, recording three assists plus an empty net goal. Max Guenette also scored on Saturday, giving him 91 career points, and moving him into first place on the Belleville Sens all-time points list for defencemen.

Springfield boasts a potent top-six forwards, which include one of the top-scoring players in the league. Adam Gaudette has 61 points (38 goals, 23 assists) in 60 games played for the T-Birds this season. Gaudette also sits one off the league lead in goals. Springfield’s lineup also includes former Belleville Senators Matt Peca, and Mitchell Hoelscher, as well as longtime NHL’er Jakub Vrana. Defender Dylan Coghlan is also among the league’s top scoring defencemen this season, with 40 points (sixteen goals, 24 assists).

At the rink:

Fans will be able to enter CAA Arena starting at 6:00 p.m., with all concessions and merchandise stands open. This weekend’s feature merchandise deal at the Locker Room Store is 25% off novelty items, like Smashcot stuffed toys, mini sticks and more! Stop by the Locker Room Store in the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre before heading into the game or check out the Gate 2 merchandise stand once inside.

Ticket info:

Tickets for tonight’s game and all Belleville Sens home games for the remainder of the 2023-24 season are now on sale online, via Ticketmaster, by visiting the Belleville Sens Box Office at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. Box Office hours are available by clicking here.

Fans can also click the following links for more information on season seat memberships, flex packs, group experiences or Business Elite memberships, or send an email to tickets@bellevillesens.com.

Follow the action:

Today’s game starts at 7:00 p.m. (ET) and can be seen on AHL TV, or heard on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. Pregame coverage on both platforms begins from CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario, at 6:50 p.m. (ET) with David Foot and Brock Ormond.

The full 2023-24 Belleville Senators regular season schedule can be found by clicking here.

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