Two cities, one last preseason test
The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out their preseason on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad games in both Montreal and Ottawa. Each team will divide its camp into two lineups, so fans will be following two matchups at the same time.
That setup changes the focus. The result still matters, but the bigger story is which players are getting one more chance to earn a role before the regular season begins.
What makes this night more than a scoreline
For coaches, this is the final chance to evaluate line combinations, special teams usage, and players trying to push onto the roster. Preseason games are often about sorting out depth, not just chasing a win.
Montreal’s camp runs through September 26, and the club opens the regular season against Toronto on September 29. That leaves very little time for fringe players to make a last impression.
Ottawa has a similar task. With two games on the same night, the Senators can spread out ice time and see more of their group in live action before the preseason ends.
- Watch which players receive power-play shifts.
- Watch which goalies get the heavier workload.
- Watch which skaters are trusted late in a close game.
- Watch which line combinations create the most chances.
The earlier meeting set the stage, but not the script
The clubs already met once in preseason, and Montreal came back to beat Ottawa 3-2 in overtime on September 21 in Trois-Rivières. Cole Caufield scored twice, including the overtime winner, in that matchup.
Even so, Saturday’s games should be viewed separately. Split squads can produce very different results depending on which regulars are dressed, which prospects are elevated, and who starts in goal.
That matters for anyone trying to read too much into the previous meeting. A stronger forward group in one city or a different goaltender in the other can change the entire feel of the game.
Betting angles depend on the actual lineups
The safest approach is to check each roster before looking at a moneyline. One side may dress more NHL regulars, but that edge can already be built into the price.
Goals totals also hinge on the starters. Young goaltenders and experimental defensive pairs often point toward a higher-scoring game, while veteran netminders behind experienced lineups can push the other way.
Player props can offer value if a forward is expected to log heavy minutes and has a fair number attached. Even then, preseason usage is unpredictable, so familiar names should not be assumed to play normal minutes or occupy their usual power-play role.
What to pay attention to on Saturday
The most useful takeaway will not be the final tally in either building. It will be the individual performances, the quality of the chances created, and the players who look ready for the faster pace of the regular season.
If a skater handles difficult minutes well, or if a pairing looks stable against better competition, that says more than the scoreboard does. The same goes for goaltenders who hold up under pressure.
In the end, these two games are about separating the players who are ready now from the ones who still need more time.