The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out their preseason on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad games in both Montreal and Ottawa. Because each team is sending two different groups of players into action, the lineup sheet matters far more than the name on the front of the jersey.
This setup gives fans two games to track at once and gives coaches one last look at roster battles, role players, and combinations that may carry into the regular season. It also means any betting angle depends heavily on who is actually dressed for each venue, not just the teams involved.
Why the final preseason games carry real weight
The scoreline matters, but the larger story is evaluation. Coaches want to see which skaters can handle tougher minutes, which line combinations create chemistry, and who looks ready for an NHL workload once the games start counting.
Montreal’s camp runs through September 26, and the club opens the regular season against Toronto on September 29. That makes Saturday a final audition for players sitting on the edge of the roster.
Ottawa has a similar opportunity. With two games on the same day, the Senators can spread ice time across more players and get a clearer read on who deserves a bigger role when the preseason ends.
The earlier meeting showed how dangerous this matchup can be
These teams already met once in the preseason, and Montreal came out ahead 3-2 in overtime on September 21 in Trois-Rivières. Cole Caufield scored twice in that game, including the winner in extra time.
That result is useful as a reminder of the rivalry, but it is not a clean preview of Saturday’s games. Split squads can change everything, from forward depth to defensive pairings to the goalie situation.
| Game factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Lineup strength | One game may feature more NHL regulars than the other, which can shift the outlook quickly. |
| Goaltending choice | Starter quality can change both the expected winner and the total goals market. |
| Special teams usage | Power-play minutes can hint at who the coaching staff trusts most. |
| Late-game deployment | Players who stay on the ice in tight moments may be closer to earning a roster spot. |
What bettors and fans should watch closely
The safest approach is to confirm the exact lineups before treating either moneyline as meaningful. A side that looks stronger on paper may already be priced that way, and the venue matters as well because Montreal and Ottawa are playing in separate cities.
Totals also depend on the goaltenders and the defensive pairings. If younger goalies are involved and the blue lines are experimental, the over can become more attractive. If more established netminders start behind stronger groupings, that outlook can change fast.
Player props can be worth a look only if a skater is projected for heavy ice time and a reasonable number is available. Preseason usage is unpredictable, though, so familiar names should not be assumed to play their normal minutes or receive their usual power-play role.
The clearest takeaway from Saturday
The final results will matter less than the individual performances spread across both games. The most useful questions are which players handle pressure, which combinations generate chances, and who appears ready for the speed of the regular season.
Those answers will tell far more about Montreal and Ottawa’s next step than either preseason score by itself.
