The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out the preseason on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad matchups in both cities. Each team will divide its roster, sending one group to Montreal and the other to Ottawa for the same-day double feature.
That setup makes the day more interesting than a typical exhibition finale. Veterans are trying to get ready for opening night, while fringe players are fighting for one last chance to earn a spot.
Why the final preseason games carry real weight
The score still matters, but the bigger story is roster evaluation. Coaches can test line combinations, shift players into different roles, and see who handles more demanding minutes before the games count for real.
Montreal’s camp runs through September 26, and the club opens the regular season against Toronto on September 29. That leaves this weekend as the final stage for anyone still trying to break through.
Ottawa is in a similar position. With two games on the schedule, the Senators can spread ice time around and learn more about which players are ready for the next step.
- Watch which skaters earn power-play time.
- Notice who stays on the ice late in close situations.
- Track which goaltenders receive the heavier workload.
Their earlier meeting already showed the rivalry’s edge
The teams have already met once this preseason, and that game produced a tight finish. Montreal came from behind to beat Ottawa 3-2 in overtime on September 21 in Trois-Rivières, with Cole Caufield scoring twice, including the winner.
That result gives the rivalry extra buzz, but it should not be treated as a direct forecast for Saturday. Split-squad lineups can completely change the feel of both games, especially if one side loads up more proven forwards than the other.
Goaltending matters just as much. A start for a younger netminder can open the door to more scoring, while a veteran starter behind a stronger lineup can push the game in the opposite direction.
Betting angles depend on the actual lineups
Do not look at the team names alone when weighing the moneyline. The more important question is which players are actually in each lineup and which venue your sportsbook is pricing.
The totals market is especially sensitive to the goalie assignments. If both games feature less experienced goaltenders or experimental defensive pairings, an over becomes easier to justify. If the more established options start, the read can change quickly.
Player props can also be tempting, but preseason usage is unpredictable. A familiar forward may not log his usual ice time or power-play role, so one name on the card does not guarantee a full workload.
What Saturday should reveal
The final takeaway should come from individual performances, not just the final scores. The most useful clues will come from players who handle tougher assignments, line combinations that generate chances, and skaters who look comfortable at regular-season speed.
For fans, that is the real value of the day. The two games should say more about Montreal and Ottawa’s readiness for the season ahead than either box score alone.
