Game Day Build-Up: Rivals from Rochester roll into CAA Arena as Senators continue playoff hunt

Belleville Senators Game Day Build-Up
Apr.4/25 vs Rochester Americans (NHL Affiliate: Buffalo Sabres)

The Set Up:

Success doesn’t come easy, and for the Belleville Senators, the path to success will definitely be tough but far from impossible. The Senators are four points below the playoff cutline as they enter the season’s final eight games, with seven of those games to be played against teams that have already punched their playoff tickets and one on the verge of qualifying. That includes their opponent for the next two nights, the Rochester Americans, who have not only already qualified but are fighting for first place in the North Division. Belleville is looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Syracuse on Wednesday and make up some ground on the fifth-place Cleveland Monsters (AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets) while proving they belong in the playoff conversation. The Amerks are trying to stretch their current point streak to seven games as they chase Laval for the division lead.

Previous History:

It’s been a rough go against their foes from Western New York this season as Belleville holds a record of just 1-4-0-0 against the Amerks in 2024-25.  Rochester has heavily outscored Belleville in the season series and the Senators only win this campaign came on opening night at Blue Cross Arena, in Rochester. Belleville can still even the eight game series though, with these two clubs set to see each other in three consecutive games, with the third coming on the road next week. Lifetime against Rochester, Belleville is 25-16-5-1, and 10-8-4-1 on home ice.

Roster Notes: 

Defenceman Zachary Massicotte was released from his professional tryout on Wednesday and returned to the Maine Mariners of the ECHL, but no other transactions have been announced this morning. Angus Crookshank remains on NHL recall to Ottawa. You can click here for a full list of up-to-date transactions, with full lineup details ahead of game time via the Belleville Sens social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Senators forward Phil Daoust has been in and out of the lineup due to numbers, but has still put in a solid campaign. The 23-year-old from Barrie continues to progress after a pair of injury-plagued seasons and has registered 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 44 games, the most he’s dressed in at any level since 2021-22. Daoust picked up a goal and an assist with a +2 rating in Wednesday’s loss to Syracuse. Sens Head Coach Dave Bell told the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network after the game that Daoust “has been looking for an opportunity and is making the most of it”.

Rochester rookie Noah Ostlund is riding an eight-game point streak (eight goals, five assists) into Belleville tonight, including a goal in the Amerks’ Wednesday home win against Springfield and a hat-trick on March 22 against Syracuse. The 21-year-old Swede is among the top-scoring first-year players in the AHL with 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists). Power forward Brett Murray is on a three-game point streak heading into tonight with four points (two goals, two assists) over that span.

At the Rink:

It’s Community Heroes Night presented by Bell as the Senators shine a spotlight on the everyday individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact, whether through their work, volunteer efforts, or acts of kindness. From first responders to community organizers, educators, healthcare workers, and many others, Community Heroes Night presented by Bell will highlight the tireless efforts that make the Belleville region a better place to live and work. Fans can also stock up on the latest Belleville Sens gear at the Locker Room Store inside the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre before the game, the Gate 2 Merchandise Stand in-game, and anytime, at the Locker Room Store website.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from CAA Arena, in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. ET with David Foot, and Tim Durkin, and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey or heard free on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network.

Ticket Info:

Tickets for all Belleville Sens home games through the 2024-25 season are now on sale via Ticketmaster, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. Hours for the Belleville Sens Box Office at CAA Arena are available here.

Fans can click the following links for more information on becoming a season seat member, purchasing a flex pack membership, or putting down a deposit for a group experience. For more details on those ticket options, plus details on premium seating and Business Elite packages, visit the Belleville Sens website or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.

The full Belleville Sens 2024-25 regular season schedule is available here. 

About the Belleville Senators

The Belleville Senators are the American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators and have been operating in the AHL since the 2017-18 season. The Senators play their home games out of the CAA Arena at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre and have graduated more than 60 players to the NHL since moving from Binghamton, New York.

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