By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
After a hard-fought series defeat against the back-to-back champion Hershey Bears, the Providence Bruins are set to begin their North Division road trip against the 3-1-2 Belleville Senators. Both teams face similar challenges at the start of the 2024-25 season. This game will be a critical test as both teams have struggled to find consistent goal-scoring. Special teams will be an important focus, as Providence currently has a power play success rate of only 4.3 percent, while Belleville’s penalty kill is below average at 80 percent. With the Thanksgiving break approaching, there will be plenty to watch during this road trip.
Having a highly skilled goalie tandem is essential for road trips like these. Although Brandon Bussi is still looking for his first win this season, there’s no better time than now to secure one. On the other hand, Michael DiPietro was outstanding in starting his 2024-25 campaign. Both netminders are expected to see action on this trip, but who will be between the pipes for the game in Belleville is unclear.
Yesterday, the Senators signed former Bruins goalie Malcolm Subban to an American Hockey League contract due to the unfortunate injury of their starter, Mads Sogaard. Leevi Merilainen is expected to start in goal. Although his early-season statistics have been mediocre, he has already secured three wins. This presents an excellent opportunity for the Baby Bruins to boost their offense, especially if they can maintain a high shot total like they did against Hershey this past weekend.
The standout players for Providence have been defenseman Jordan Oesterle and forward Vinni Lettieri, each tied for the team lead with five points. Lettieri showcased his skill with a stunning shot that went over the shoulder of Hershey’s goalie, former AHL Goalie of the Year Hunter Shepard. Boston Bruins top prospect Georgii Merkulov has demonstrated his elite vision, leading the team with four assists. Despite the numerous line changes made by Coach Ryan Mougenel at the start of the season, the pairing of Lettieri and Merkulov has remained consistent. This decision has proven to be beneficial for the Bruins.
In contrast, Belleville has three players tied for the team lead in points. Their standout offensive player is Cole Reinhardt, who has recorded five points in three games but is inactive. The team has seen a wide distribution of points across the roster; however, most players have only registered one or two points. As a result, many games have relied heavily on their defensive play, which could improve, as most players have a negative plus/minus rating.
Fans anxiously await the former 2021 First Round Pick, Fabian Lysell, to make a more significant impact. He has only two points in six games despite playing big minutes and making egregious and careless turnovers, which sometimes leave his goalie stranded. Both sides of his game need to improve if he wants to be called up to the big club this season. Fans also await the rookies to start contributing offensively as Jaxon Nelson, Jackson Edward, Frederic Brunet, Trevor Kuntar, and Joey Abate look to register their first point of the season.
This road trip for the Bruins is an opportunity to help the players bond. For some, it will be their first real experience with professional hockey travel. Providence needs to start strong and maintain pressure throughout the game. After their matchup against the Senators, the Bruins will face the Laval Rocket in a back-to-back series. Be sure to catch the Baby Bruins this Wednesday at seven as they aim to kick off the road trip with a win.
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