Belleville Sens Game Day Build-Up
Feb.10/24 vs Utica Comets (NHL Affiliate: New Jersey Devils)
The Set-Up:
The Belleville Senators (20-18-2-3) continue a four-game homestand tonight as they look for some payback against the Utica Comets (19-17-4-3). The Senators put 30 shots on the Comets net on Friday, but Isaac Poulter was a difference maker, out-dueling Belleville’s Mads Sogaard who allowed just one goal on 30 shots at the other end of the rink. Despite their four-day break, the Sens did have some jump at times and seemed buoyed by the addition of Rourke Chartier from the NHL, along with Matt Highmore who returned from illness. They’ll be looking to keep that energy going and push a few more pucks across the line in their rematch with the Comets tonight at CAA Arena.
Previous History:
After last night’s loss, Belleville’s record against Utica falls to 2-1-0-0 on the season and 0-1-0-0 at home. The Senators now have an even lifetime record against the Comets, skating to a mark of 15-15-3-0 and 8-8-1-0 on home ice. Tonight’s game marks the midway point of the eight-game season series between Belleville and Utica.
Roster Notes:
It was another transaction-free day for the Senators, though Head Coach Dave Bell may make some lineup changes from Friday, with plenty of healthy bodies to choose from. Coach Bell did provide an injury update on three players yesterday saying forward Phil Daoust is back in Belleville rehabbing from shoulder surgery but has no timeline for return. He added that forward Cole Reinhardt is still a few weeks out, while forward Roby Jarventie won’t play again this season, after having knee surgery last week. Full lineup details, including tonight’s alignment, will be available before puck drop.
Who to Watch:
Despite not finding the scoresheet, Sens forward Rourke Chartier slotted back in nicely with the AHL club, after playing 34 games for the Ottawa Senators this season. He played on a line with Angus Crookshank and Garrett Pilon last night, registering four shots on goal. If Belleville’s looking for offense from some more unconventional spots tonight, consider captain Dillon Heatherington, who has scored two of his three goals this season against the Comets.
Former first-round draft pick (29th overall in 2021) Chase Stillman had the game-winning goal for Utica last night. It was his seventh of the season and third against Belleville in three games. The former Peterborough Petes star had a game-high five…
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