AHL Belleville Senators

Game Day Build-Up: Senators vs. Comets, November 14

Published on November 14, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Belleville Senators News Release


The set-up

The Belleville Senators open a crucial three in four tonight as the Utica Comets visit CAA Arena for the first time this season.

Belleville (6-8-0-0) continues to reach for the .500 mark as defeat to Toronto last Friday put them two games under and pushed them to seventh in the North Division, albeit just one point back from a playoff spot.

The Sens are 4-4 at home so far this season while Utica has won four of its seven road contests. Belleville's power play continues to do work as they rank third in the Eastern Conference with a 23.8% conversion rate.

Utica (6-8-0-1) enters Wednesday's game having conceded the most goals in the North Division with 54, and the second most in the Eastern Conference. The Comets have the fifth best penalty kill in the East.

Roster notes

The Senators lost a key piece Monday night as the AHL's leading scorer, Drake Batherson, was recalled by Ottawa as he gets set for his NHL debut after tallying 20 points in his first 14 AHL games.

Belleville did get forward Nick Paul back from Ottawa though and also recalled goalie Jake Paterson from Brampton.

Sens captain Erik Burgdoerfer remains out after leaving Friday's game against Toronto.

Previous history

The two teams met on Oct. 6 in the Sens' first game of the season with the Comets inching out a 3-1 decision. Belleville went 2-1 against Utica at home last season. The teams will meet six times this year.

Who to watch

Puck moving rookie defenceman Christian Wolanin continues to tally points from the blue-line that was highlighted with a five-point performance on Friday. Wolanin has eight points (two goals) in 11 games this season.

Speaking of rookie defencemen, Olli Juolevi has had an impressive start to the AHL career as he has notched 11 points (one goal) in 15 contests in his first professional season in North America.

Where to watch

Wednesday's game starts at 7:00pm and can be seen on AHLTV. Fans can also watch tonight's contest at Shoeless Joe's in Belleville.

The radio broadcast on CJBQ 800 begins at 6:50pm with Jack Miller on the call and David Foot on colour.

Check out the Belleville Senators Statistics

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