Montgomery Off the Mark as Senators Triumph in Thriller
IslandStats.com
Belleville Senators bid a breathless farewell to their home fans for the regular season, securing a 6-4 victory over the Syracuse Crunch in a game defined by a clinical professional milestone for rising star Blake Montgomery.
In a wild final home stand at the CAA Arena, the spotlight fell on the young forward who chose the perfect moment to open his account in the American Hockey League. After a scoreless opening frame that saw both sides trade chances on the power play, the game ignited in a frantic second half that left the capacity crowd stunned.
The deadlock was finally broken midway through the second period when Hoyt Stanley notched his first professional goal, but it was the start of the third that provided the highlight of the night for the Senators faithful.
Just minutes into the final period, Graeme Clarke intercepted a loose puck and threaded a sublime pass into stride for Blake Montgomery. Showing the poise that earned him a three-year NHL deal with Ottawa, Montgomery accelerated clear of the Syracuse defense, went in alone, and expertly tucked the puck home. The strike marked his first goal in a Senators jersey and his first in the AHL, doubling the Belleville lead and sparking a goal-scoring frenzy.
Montgomery’s milestone touched off a period of absolute carnage. Arthur Kaliyev soon made it 3-0 with his 40th goal of a remarkable campaign, before the Crunch began a desperate fightback. Syracuse defender Ethan Samson struck twice to keep the visitors in contention, but every time the Crunch threatened to parity, Belleville found an answer.
Xavier Bourgault was instrumental in the closing stages, netting twice in quick succession to stifle the Syracuse momentum. Despite a late surge from Gabriel Szturc, who pulled the Crunch within one goal with less than three minutes remaining, the Senators held their nerve.
Keean Washkurak eventually found the empty net to seal the 6-4 win, ensuring the Senators head into their final road games with maximum momentum. While the scoreline suggested a defensive struggle, the night belonged to the debutants and milestones—none more significant than Montgomery proving he can find the net at the professional level.
The Senators now prepare for a final home-and-home series against the Crunch, where they will look to replicate this attacking masterclass on enemy territory.
