Playoff Game Day Build-Up: Battle of Ontario goes to the brink as B-Sens host Marlies for decisive game three

Belleville Sens Game Day Build-Up
Apr.28/24 vs Toronto Marlies (AHL Affiliate: Toronto Maple Leafs)
2024 Calder Cup Finals First Round – Game 3 of 3 (Series Tied 1-1)

The Set-Up:

After a string of bad luck led to them coming up just short in one of the wildest games in franchise history on Friday, the Belleville Senators will look to take advantage of the home ice they worked so hard to earn, in the deciding game of their North Division First Round Series against the Toronto Marlies this afternoon. The B-Sens are back home at CAA Arena with the series tied 1-1, following a 4-3 loss in Toronto on Friday night, that saw Belleville hit close to five posts, have at least one goal overturned on review, but still battle back to score late and force overtime, only to have Toronto get a fortunate bounce inside the first minute of the extra frame. But as Head Coach Dave Bell would say, “That was Friday, and this is Sunday” and all the B-Sens will be focused on tonight is coming out on top of this winner-takes-all meeting with their provincial rivals and punching a first-ever ticket into the North Division Semi-Finals against the Cleveland Monsters.

Previous History:

After two games in this best-of-three series, both Belleville and Toronto have each picked up a victory. The Senators put on a defensive clinic in Game 1 en route to a 3-1 win and then as mentioned above, battled back in Game 2 but fell in overtime. Including the 10 regular season games played with the Marlies in 2023-24, Belleville has a record of 7-3-1-1 against Toronto, with a 4-1-0-1 mark on home ice.

Roster Notes:

There have been no roster changes or injuries announced by the club since Friday’s loss and with today’s game starting in the afternoon, full roster details were not yet available this morning. Full lineup details, including this afternoon’s alignment, will be available before puck drop via the B-Sens social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Three Belleville players had multi-point games in Friday’s overtime loss, including Garrett Pilon who scored twice, giving him three points (two goals, one assist) over the first two games of the series. Jacob Larsson and Wyatt Bongiovanni each had two assists, while defender Donovan Sebrango also scored for the B-Sens in Game 2, notching his first career Calder Cup Playoff goal. Angus Crookshank recorded six shots on net on Friday.

After being silent in Game 1, some of Toronto’s key players were more impactful in Game 2. Joseph Blandisi had three points in Toronto’s win (one goal, two assists) after being held shotless and pointless in Game 1, while Kyle Clifford had a goal and an assist, before being ejected late the second period for a hit from behind on Belleville’s Tyler Kleven. Former Senator Dylan Gambrell scored the overtime winner for Toronto on Friday.

At the rink:

CAA Arena gates will open at 1:30 p.m. Fans will also be able to get geared up for the playoffs with deals and discounts at The Locker Room Store including 25% off jerseys and customizations, long and short sleeve tees, hoodies, and team gear. Plus, every fan who makes a purchase either in-store or online, will receive a free Belleville Sens flag.

Ticket info:

Tickets for game three of the series AHL North Division First-Round Series are now on sale, via Ticketmaster or the Belleville Sens Ticket Hub. Fans can also purchase tickets by visiting the Belleville Sens Box Office at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, which is open from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. today, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com.

Fans with further questions about playoff ticketing, or those looking for information on premium seating or group tickets, can also email tickets@bellevillesens.com.

Details on 2024-25 season seat memberships, 2024-25 Group Experiences or 2024-25 Business Elite memberships, are available via the Belleville Sens website, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com.

Follow the action:

Tonight’s game starts at 3:00 p.m. (ET) and can be seen on AHL TV, or heard free on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network, with pregame coverage on both platforms beginning with David Foot, Tim Durkin and Brock Ormond, at 2:45 p.m. (ET), from the CAA Arena, in Belleville, Ontario. Fans can also listen in via TSN 1200 Radio, either in the Ottawa area or online, as they join in the coverage at 3:00 p.m.

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