Belleville Senators Achieve Season First Against Syracuse
The Belleville Senators accomplished something no other American Hockey League team had managed this season: scoring a goal in Syracuse. They went beyond that by securing a 7-4 win over the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday night.
First Period Highlights
Syracuse opened the scoring early when Cooper Flinton converted a rebound past Belleville’s goalie Leevi Merilainen just over five minutes into the game. Belleville quickly responded three minutes later on a power play. Arthur Kaliyev scored his second goal of the season with a one-timer from the right circle, assisted by Stephen Halliday.
Shortly after, Wyatt Bongiovanni scored his fourth goal of the season, firing past Syracuse’s Brandon Halverson to give Belleville a 2-1 lead after the first period.
Fast-Paced Second Period
The second period saw four goals within the first 6:05. Jakob Pelletier tied the game for Syracuse with a rebound goal just one minute in. However, Bongiovanni quickly scored again with a high-slot wrist shot, giving Belleville the lead once more.
Xavier Bourgault extended the Senators’ lead during a power play at 4:52 in the second period, scoring his fourth goal of the season by navigating through the crease.
“The Belleville Senators did something on Saturday night that no American Hockey League team had done yet this season: score a goal in Syracuse.”
The Senators’ offensive power carried them to their season-high seven goals, marking a significant win on the road.
Author's summary: Belleville Senators broke the season’s Syracuse scoring drought and secured a commanding 7-4 victory, powered by multiple players hitting season highs.