Game Day Build-Up: Senators continue busy long weekend with trip to Utica

Belleville Sens Game Day Build-Up
Feb.17/24 @ Utica Comets (NHL Affiliate: New Jersey Devils)                     

The Set-Up:

Less than 24 hours after a tough battle with the provincial rival Toronto Marlies, the Belleville Senators (22-19-2-3) will be looking to get back in the win column tonight, as they pay a visit to the Utica Comets (19-19-4-3) at Adirondack Bank Center. Tyler Kleven, Rourke Chartier and Angus Crookshank all scored for Belleville in Friday’s loss, which saw Belleville give up a place in the standings and drop to fifth, but still within striking distance of the top three, sitting three points back of the Rochester Americans. The Comets start the night at the bottom of the division, four points back of Belleville, and have been off since a loss to the Amerks on Wednesday.

Previous History:

The Senators have skated to a .500 record against the Comets this season, picking up a pair of wins and a pair of losses, with an even 1-1-0-0 split both at home and in Utica. Tonight’s matchup also marks the start of the second half of the eight-game season series, as it’s the fifth of eight meetings between the teams this season. Lifetime against Utica, Belleville is 16-15-3-0 and 7-7-2-0 at the Adirondack Bank Center.

Roster Notes:

Defenceman Max Guenette was returned from a brief recall to the NHL ahead of last night’s game but didn’t dress for Belleville against the Marlies. Head Coach Dave Bell will have some lineup decisions to make ahead of tonight’s game as well, with the club still carrying more than six veteran players. Full lineup details, including tonight’s alignment, will be available ahead of puck drop.

Who to Watch:

All-Star forward Angus Crookshank is finding his groove again, registering six points over his last three games (two goals, four assists), including the game-tying goal in the third period last night. Defenceman Jacob Larsson (two assists) and forward Rourke Chartier (three goals, one assist) each have points in back-to-back games, while goaltender Mads Sogaard has won six of his last seven starts.

Three Comets have points in back-to-back games including Joe Gambardella (two assists), Kyle Criscuolo (one goal, one assist), and Xavier Parent (one goal, one assist). Utica points leader Graeme Clarke (18 goals, 17 assists) had four shots in the Comet’s last game and has five points (three goals, two assists) in four games against the Senators this season.

Ticket info:

Tickets for all Belleville Sens home games for the remainder of the 2023-24 season are now on sale online, via Ticketmaster or the Belleville Sens Ticket Hub, 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:

Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 p.m. (ET) and can be seen on AHL TV and heard on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. Pregame coverage from Adirondack Bank Center, in Utica, New York, begins at 6:50 p.m. (ET) with David Foot.

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

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