Senators show fight but fall short 4–3 against Marlies

The Belleville Senators got back on the ice Wednesday after a busy weekend, facing off against the Toronto Marlies, losing 4-3 in regulation.

After some early pressure from both sides, the Marlies were the first to get on the board. A Matt Benning backhand between the circles helped set up Vinni Lettieri for a tip-in goal, making it 1-0. Less than thirty seconds later, Toronto’s offense continued to push and extended the lead. More pressure from Benning and a driving Benoit-Olivier Groulx led to a shot initially saved by Mads Søgaard, but the rebound skipped out in front to Logan Shaw for his seventh of the year and a 2-0 advantage. Those two quick goals didn’t rattle the Senators, who responded with one of their own minutes later. A deflection in the offensive zone found Garrett Pilon, who fed Olle Lycksell. Showing incredible patience in front, Lycksell waited out Artur Akhtyamov to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The second frame saw the Marlies nab another early-period goal. Marc Johnstone did it all himself with a takeaway and quick turnaround shot, scoring his second of the year and restoring Toronto’s two-goal lead, 3-1. Yet again, the Senators responded, this time short-handed. Belleville’s strong forecheck sparked a two-on-one rush led by Jorian Donovan, who dished the puck up to Garrett Pilon. Pilon cut in tight and fired it top right, pulling the game to 3-2.

It took some time in the third to see another tally on the board, though the Marlies would strike to extend their edge. Toronto’s persistence paid off as a combined effort by Lettieri and Benning helped Reese Johnson score his first of the game for a 4-2 margin. A few minutes later, Belleville responded again, this time on the power play. A quick-moving Senators unit saw Philippe Daoust find Lycksell, who whipped a pass over to Arthur Kaliyev for the finish, cutting the lead to 4-3. In the end the Marlies would hold on and take this game, for a 4-3 final.