The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators will share Wednesday, September 23, for a preseason setup that is anything but ordinary. Instead of one exhibition, the clubs will stage two at once, with both faceoffs set for 7 p.m. ET in Toronto and Ottawa.
This is a split-squad night, so each organization will divide camp players between a home group and a road group. That creates two separate versions of the rivalry, and it also means any betting angle depends on which players are assigned to each venue.
Why this preseason format stands out
Both cities get a home game, which gives fans in Toronto and Ottawa a chance to see their team without waiting for a later date. The Senators will host one Leafs roster at Canadian Tire Centre, while another Ottawa group travels to Toronto.
The format also helps coaches stretch out evaluation time before the regular season begins on September 29. With roster decisions still taking shape, every shift offers a chance to judge players who are competing for final spots.
- Two games begin at the same time, both at 7 p.m. ET.
- Each team splits its camp roster into two separate lineups.
- Fans in both markets get a live home-game experience.
- Coaches gain more time to compare depth players and lineup combinations.
There are also fresh storylines to watch. Ottawa is entering its first season after moving on from former captain Brady Tkachuk, and William Eklund is one of the names being evaluated as the Senators reshape their forward group. Toronto has a much shorter exhibition slate, with its preseason limited to games against Montreal and Ottawa, so Wednesday’s split-squad setup carries extra meaning.
Betting angles depend on the roster sheets
The safest approach is to wait for the full lineups before considering any wager. A Toronto moneyline in the home matchup is not the same bet as a Toronto moneyline in Ottawa, because the player groups may be completely different.
The same logic applies to the Senators. Before making a choice, check the venue, opponent, and roster assignment carefully so the bet matches the correct game.
Starting goaltenders matter first. If one side uses an established NHL goalie against a younger lineup, that can quickly shift the value on a moneyline or total. It is also worth comparing how many regular NHL forwards and defensemen each team sends to each building.
- Confirm the starting goalie before looking at the line.
- Compare NHL experience on both blue lines and top six groups.
- Review the total only after both rosters are known.
- Be cautious with player props if ice time is uncertain.
Totals deserve a look, especially if inexperienced goaltenders or defense pairings are involved. Even so, preseason scoring is difficult to trust, since coaches often spread minutes widely and a strong first period does not guarantee a regular role in the third.
Player props require even more caution. Before backing a scorer or shots-on-goal angle, make sure the player is dressed for the correct game and has a realistic workload. If the lineup is unclear, passing on the prop is often the smartest move.
Best read on Leafs vs Senators
There is no dependable single-game pick until the split squads and goaltenders are confirmed. The stronger lineup in Toronto may not be the stronger lineup in Ottawa.
The real edge, if one exists, will come from comparing the two games separately after the rosters are posted. If the odds already reflect the difference in experience and goalie quality, there may be no worthwhile bet at all.
For most fans, this is a rare chance to enjoy two rivalry games in one night without turning the evening into a forced preseason wager.