Belleville Senators Game Day Build-Up
Apr.18/25 @ Laval Rocket (NHL Affiliate: Montreal Canadiens)
The Set Up:
To steal titles from some famous songs, the Belleville Senators have been “Taking Care of Business” lately, and it’s kept them “Staying Alive” in the Calder Cup Playoff race. However, Belleville will continue to be “Under Pressure” as they continue their season-ending three-game set against the Rocket tonight, with another meeting at Place Bell in Laval. The Senators kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win against the Rocket on Wednesday, and can still qualify for the postseason if they continue to collect points in these last two games and the Toronto Marlies or Cleveland Monsters falter in their final contests. Coming into tonight, Belleville would be eliminated if Toronto earns a point against Rochester, and Cleveland wins in any fashion against Lehigh Valley, but there are a number of scenarios that could keep the Senators alive. You can see the full American Hockey League playoff picture via the league’s daily Calder Cup Playoff Primer, which is available by clicking here.
Previous History:
Tonight’s matchup is both the second last game of the regular season and of the 10-game season series between the Senators and Rocket. Wednesday’s win improved Belleville’s record against Laval this season to 4-3-1-0 (2-2-0-0 in Place Bell), and 48-35-2-4 lifetime, with a 23-21-1-0 mark away from home. The Senators and Rocket will both hit the road for Belleville after tonight’s game and wrap up the regular season at CAA Arena tomorrow night.
Roster Notes:
The Belleville Sens were sent some reinforcements from the NHL on Wednesday when Angus Crookshank was reassigned from a two-week recall. Belleville’s all-time leader in goals didn’t find the scoresheet on Wednesday, but began to work himself back into the mix after being in the NHL since April 1. Crookshank has recorded one assist in eight games with the Ottawa Senators this season. Forward Hayden Hodgson remains with the NHL Senators as well, though Hodgson was recently injured and is listed week-to-week. Once again there are no changes to the injured list in Belleville, which includes goaltender Mads Sogaard, forward Zack MacEwen, and defenceman Max Guenette. 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:
As the Senators…
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