The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out their preseason on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad games in both cities. Each team will divide its roster, so the two matchups will feature different combinations of players on the ice at the same time.
That setup makes the night more useful than a standard exhibition game. Veterans are trying to sharpen their timing before the regular season begins, while younger players and roster hopefuls are fighting for one last look from the coaching staff.
Why the final preseason games carry real weight
The score matters less than the decisions being made behind it. Coaches want to see who can handle tougher minutes, which line combinations have real chemistry, and which players are ready for a regular-season role.
For Montreal, the timing is especially important because camp runs through September 26 and the team opens the regular season against Toronto on September 29. That leaves Saturday as the last major chance for players on the edge of the roster to make a convincing case.
Ottawa has a similar purpose in front of it. With two games scheduled, the Senators can spread ice time around and learn more about how different groups perform in meaningful preseason situations.
- Watch which players get power-play time.
- Pay attention to who stays on the ice in late-game situations.
- Note which goaltenders handle the heavier workload.
What the earlier meeting showed
The rivals already crossed paths once this preseason, and Montreal came away with a 3-2 overtime win over Ottawa on September 21 in Trois-Rivières. Cole Caufield scored twice in that game, including the overtime winner.
Still, that result should not be treated as a simple preview of Saturday’s action. Split-squad games can look very different from one another depending on which regulars are dressed, which prospects are included, and who starts in goal.
A lineup with more established forwards may control the puck much better than the other group playing the same night. Goaltending matters just as much, since a different starter can quickly change the expected pace and scoring outlook.
How to think about the matchup
Anyone looking at the betting board should separate the two games before considering a moneyline. One roster may be noticeably stronger, but that edge is only meaningful if the sportsbook has not already adjusted the price for it.
Totals are also highly dependent on the goaltenders and the defensive pairings. If the game features young netminders and experimental blue-line combinations, an over can become more attractive. If both teams dress steadier defenders and more established goalies, the outlook changes fast.
A player prop can make sense if a forward is expected to log heavy minutes and is priced fairly. Even then, preseason usage is unpredictable, so it is risky to assume any familiar name will receive a full workload or normal special-teams duty.
Saturday’s games are less about the final score and more about what the teams learn from them. The most valuable clues will come from individual performances, special-teams usage, and who looks ready for the faster pace of the regular season.