The Belleville Senators concluded their three-game set with the Toronto Marlies, losing 4-2 on Monday afternoon at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
The lone AHL game on the docket did not disappoint, getting off to a fast start offensively, as the two teams combined to score four times within the first 8:21 of the contest.
Ryan Chyzowski kick-started the scoring for the Marlies at 2:46, finding the back of the net capitalizing on a three-way passing play from the slot.
Belleville would answer quickly, tying the game as Xavier Bernard earned his first career AHL point. Parker Kelly would score his second goal of the season, redirecting Bernard’s pass from the near boards past Joseph Woll.
Bobby McMann retook the lead for Marlies a high and hard wrister from the face-off circle. Moments later, Mac Hollowell beat Kevin Mandolese on the counterattack, prompting a goaltending change at 8:21 of the first period from head coach Troy Mann.
After a frantic first period, the Senators settled into a scoreless second frame. In large extent, due to the performance of Mads Sogaard, who was perfect in relief in his return to action after finishing his quarantine.
Rourke Chartier extended his goal streak to three straight, deflecting a Zac Leslie point shot. Chartier’s goal would cut Toronto’s lead to 3-2 with 5:28 left to play in the third period. Toronto forward Joseph Blandisi secured the win for the home side with 59 seconds to play, scoring into the empty net on the man advantage.
Fast Facts
- Xavier Bernard recorded his first career AHL point.
- Rourke Chartier extended his point score to five straight.
- Mads Sogaard was perfect in relief making 13 saves. It was his first appearance since December 5, 2021.
- Chris Martenet made his season debut after being signed to a PTO this morning.
Head Coach Troy Mann:
“Overall, I thought we battled back. Unfortunately, right now, we don’t have a lot of room for error defensively. Even with our goaltending, quite frankly, we don’t get enough goals to bail our team out. We just have to continue to build our game defensively and make sure we are sound there. Obviously, our goaltending with Sogaard and Mandolese at this stage, with our offence only coming up with one-to-three goals a night, are going to have to be on every night.”
The Belleville Senators return to action Friday when they host the Springfield Thunderbirds. You can hear the game on the Senators’ Official Broadcast Partner 800 AM CJBQ or see it on AHL TV.
Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m.
GAME RECAP BY WRITTEN BY THE BELLEVILLE SENATORS