On February 6, 2026, the Belleville Senators will face off against the Syracuse Crunch at the Upstate Medical University Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM EST. This Syracuse Crunch game preview highlights the teams’ performances and key players as they prepare to meet in this closely contested American Hockey League matchup.
Current Form of the Belleville Senators
The Belleville Senators enter this game holding a record of 20-19-8-0, totaling 48 points. Recently, they secured a 3-1 victory over the Rochester Americans on Wednesday, and their performance over the last five games stands at two wins, one loss, and two overtime/shootout losses. On average, Belleville has scored three goals per game while conceding three goals per game during this stretch. So far this season, the Senators have performed well against Syracuse, holding a 2-1 record in their head-to-head matchups.
Performance Review of the Syracuse Crunch
The home team, Syracuse Crunch, recorded a 4-3 win against the Springfield Thunderbirds at home on Wednesday. Their last five games include two wins, two losses, and one overtime loss. The Crunch have averaged around 2.6 goals per game but have allowed an average of 3.6 goals in that span. Their record against Belleville this season is 1-2, with a goal differential of 14 scored to 10 conceded in those contests.
Anticipated Lineups for Both Teams
The Belleville Senators’ projected lineup features forwards Kaliyev-Daoust-Bourgault, Lycksell-Pilon-Boucher, Rees-Jenik-Bongiovanni, and Washkurak-Pettersson-Durate. The defensive pairings are Donovan-Crotty, Gilbert-Yakemchuk, and Harrington-Thomson, with Merilainen and Shepard expected in goal.
The Syracuse Crunch lineup likely includes forwards Furry-Stachowiak-Chaffee, Duke-Mercuri-Allard, Flinton-Szturc-Roelens, and Pelletier-Geekie-Gauthier. Defenders Tinordi-Santini, Pietroniro-Newpower, Groshev-Lundmark will hold the blue line, while Fanti and Halverson tend the net.
Key Players to Follow for Each Team
Arthur Kaliyev leads Belleville in scoring with 48 points and 28 goals, while Philippe Daoust contributes the most assists on the team with 26. Defender Lassim Thomson holds the team’s best plus/minus rating at +8, and Xavier Burgault adds a strong offensive presence with 38 points from 14 goals and 24 assists.
On Syracuse’s side, Jakob Pelletier tops the team in both points (42) and plus/minus (+16). Dylan Duke is the leading goal scorer with 21 goals, and Nick Abruzzese leads in assists with 29. Conor Geekie supports with 38 points, split between 12 goals and 26 assists.
Upcoming Rematch Scheduled
Both teams will meet again on February 7, with the Senators hosting the Crunch. This back-to-back set of games heightens the importance of the initial encounter at the Upstate Medical University Arena as each team aims to gain momentum within the tightly contested standings.
