This past Saturday night in Rhode Island's capital, the Belleville Senators suffered a brutal 4-3 overtime loss against the Providence Bruins that put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
After three days of rest, Belleville headed to Quebec for an important showdown against the Laval Rocket. Wednesday was the first of three consecutive meetings between Belleville and Laval. It would be the team chasing a playoff spot to draw first blood in the first of three meetings.
The Senators defeated the Rocket 2-1 at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. The win puts the Senators at 78 points on the season and still alive in the playoff hunt.
After a scoreless first period, Oskar Pettersson scored his eighth goal of the season off a nice pass from Keean Washkurak at 12:15 of the second period to give Belleville a 1-0 lead heading into the second intermission. A big third period awaited for both teams.
Pettersson in the slot 💪 1-0 BEL https://t.co/LsVkgMb0tn pic.twitter.com/ZvkEx6q2Mu
— Belleville Senators (@BellevilleSens) April 17, 2025
At 9:33 of the third period, Will Dineen snapped Leevi Merilainen's shutout to tie the game at one for Laval, but Belleville showed the bend don't break mentality 2:09 later.
Xavier Bourgault scored on a deflection to give Belleville a 2-1 lead. With the goal, Bourgault has four points over his last three games. Bourgault's biggest goal and point of the season couldn't have come at a better time for Belleville.
"I think I am just more confident," Bourgault said on his past three games after the win.
Xavier Bourgault after Belleville's 2-1 win at Laval pic.twitter.com/H7tGCJ7tJE
— Jake Ferraro (@18Jxxx18) April 17, 2025
Throughout the game, Merilainen stood tall. Merilainen finished with 23 saves to earn his 18th win of the season. Merilainen has now won three of his last four starts. If Belleville is going to make the playoffs, the team will need Merilainen to stand tall.
"Every game is a new chance, new opportunity," Merilainen said after the win.
Leevi Merilainen after Belleville's 2-1 win at Laval pic.twitter.com/X1Run5weL0
— Jake Ferraro (@18Jxxx18) April 17, 2025
Belleville will have two more meetings against Laval to close out the season in hopes of making the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. Friday will be a rematch in Laval and Saturday will be a showdown in Belleville.
Belleville has a chance to make the playoffs, but need help doing so. Belleville needs either the Toronto Marlies or Cleveland Monsters to lose out in regulation, and Belleville will need to win out. All three teams have two games remaining.