The B Sens Show Fight, But Fall Short to Providence

The Belleville Senators walked into Saturday night’s matchup right smack in the middle of the North Division race. For stretches of the game, they showed exactly the kind of resilience and offensive spark that have defined much of their performances this season. Alas, a late push and a spirited third-period surge weren’t enough to erase the damage from a pair of costly lapses, as the Senators ultimately fell 6 - 3 to the Providence Bruins.

Despite the final score, the story of Belleville’s night was one of flashes. Moments where the Senators looked poised to flip the game on its head. Let’s jump into what happened.

Providence controlled the early rhythm, striking first on a backhand goal from Brown, assisted by Lysell and Gallagher at 6:45 of the frame. But Belleville answered quickly and confidently. Lassi Thomson jump-started the Senators with a clean, assertive wrist shot that beat the Providence goalie high, tying the game 1 - 1, assisted by Hamara and Kaliyev (10:57). Momentarily silencing the Bruins’ early momentum. Kaliyev was standing out early and often in this one. Unfortunately, late-period goals can be backbreaking, and one with 42 seconds left in the first put Belleville back into chase mode. Providence reclaimed the lead on a power-play rebound, Perreault from Brunet and Lysell. The Sens felt like the better team for meaningful stretches of this frame. To come away down one would certainly be very frustrating.

Photo Credit: Belleville Senators

The second period brought the toughest stretch for Belleville. The Senators struggled to control the slot and gave up extended possession, allowing Providence to score two goals. Perreault from Loclemis and Poitras (7:15). Then Poitras from Perreault and Söderström (19:49). Another late-period goal. The timing of two of the Bruins’ goals tonight really sums up the outcome of this game.  Still, Belleville didn’t fold, a theme that I continue to notice with this team, and it would again define the final period.

Down three entering the third, the Senators mounted their most inspired push of the night. Providence takes two early penalties in the frame. A game that has been very clean thus far for both teams in this department. It is Arthur Kaliyev that starts the comeback attempt with a wonderful powerplay strike, ripping a glove-side wrist shot that certainly breathed life into the Belleville squad, assisted by Halliday and Yakemchuk (5:04). Then just 18 seconds later, Bourgault from Halliday and Yakemchuk, jammed home a rebound to make it 4 - 3, turning what could be classified as a runaway into a one-goal game with plenty of time left. Unfortunately, the window closed as quickly as it opened. Just five seconds after pulling within one, Jeník takes an interference penalty. Then, a minute and two seconds after pulling within one, the Bruins restored their two-goal lead. It’s Locmelis from Wolanin and Poitras.

From there, Belleville chased but couldn’t quite recreate the magic of their early third-period burst. A late empty-net goal sealed the 6 - 3 final. Still, even in defeat, there were positives for Belleville to take forward. Kaliyev continued to prove he can be a difference-maker from distance. Bourgault’s net-front presence and second-effort goal were standout moments in an otherwise difficult offensive night. Thomson’s first-period marker was a reminder of the value Belleville gets from its blueline mobility. And the Senators’ ability to generate two quick goals under pressure speaks to the resilience that this team possesses. I continue to truly appreciate the fight the Belleville Sens possess. If they can limit the poor timing of penalties and goals allowed going forward, they will certainly be contending for the division lead in short order.

In a closing note, neither goaltender in this game stood out particularly. Which, in some instances, like this one, can be a good thing. Both Søgaard and DiPietro made most of the saves one could expect from their netminder. In my opinion, that’s about all one should ask of their tendie.

3rd Star

Locmelis

2nd Star

Kaliyev

1st Star

Perreault

-Brock Finch/Between the Benches/Olde City Sports

- Photo Credit/Belleville Senators