The Belleville Senators couldn’t sweep a double header with the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday, failing to muster enough offence to finish the home stand on a strong note and falling 3-1.
The teams traded chances through the first 12:00 of the game but both goaltenders, Flip Gustavsson for Belleville and Patrik Rybar for Grand Rapids, stopped everything that was fired their way.
Belleville’s only goal came at 13:57 of the period when Paul Carey fed a pass to Gabrial Gagne in front and his missed shot squirted out in front to Adam Tambellini, who charged in and pounced for the power play goal, his second in as many nights.
Tambellini, who’s had five points in his last four games, says he’s getting more comfortable as the season goes on, but it’s getting a little frustrating to be hovering under the .500 mark.
The Griffins drew even at 18:01 of the frame when Wade Megan tipped a puck past Gustavsson, following a Belleville turnover.
Tambellini would hit the post in the final 10 seconds of the frame but the score stood 1-1 after the first.
Belleville Senators goaltender Filip Gustavsson searches for a puck during a game against the Grand Rapids Griffins, at CAA Arena, on October 27, 2018. (Photo: Jason Scourse / Belleville Senators)
There was no scoring in the second but at least a pair of decent chances either way.
Domenic Turgeon was awarded a penalty shot but couldn’t beat Gustavsson and then Drake Batherson used his speed to create a breakaway, but got stopped by Ryber.
The eventual game winner would come at 3:57 of the third period, with Carter Camper working in the near corner and throwing a pass through the crease, which was redirected home by Chris Terry.
Grand Rapids would add some insurance in the final minutes after Belleville captain Erik Burgdoerfer broke his stick trying to take a shot from the point and had to defend a two-on-one the other way.
Matt Puempel took the pass from Matthew Ford and slipped it by Gustavsson to make it 3-1.
Sens coach Troy Mann says he wasn’t pleased with his team’s performance compared to Friday night’s win.
Belleville visit the Laval Rocket on Wednesday and then have a double header in Syracuse against the Crunch next Friday and Saturday.
All of the games can be heard on 800 AM CJBQ.
You can click here to read Saturday night’s box score and see highlights below.
Belleville Senators forward Paul Carey tries to hold up Grand Rapids Griffins foward Carter Camper during a game at CAA Arena, on October 27, 2018. (Photo: Jason Scourse / Belleville Senators)
