The Montréal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out preseason play on Saturday, September 26, with two split-squad games, one in Montréal and one in Ottawa. Each team will divide its roster, giving fans two matchups to follow at the same time.
That setup makes the evening more than a simple preseason date on the calendar. Regulars are trying to sharpen their timing for opening night, while fringe players are fighting for one final chance to earn a spot.
Why Saturday carries real weight
Preseason scores matter less than the choices coaches make after them. This is the final chance to test line combinations, compare players in different roles, and judge who is ready for meaningful minutes.
For Montréal, the timing is especially important because camp runs through September 26 and the regular season begins against Toronto on September 29. Players near the roster edge have one more night to show they belong.
Ottawa has a similar task. With two games on the same night, the Senators can spread ice time across more players and see how different groups handle real game pressure.
Special teams usage, late-game shifts, and goaltending assignments will all be worth tracking. Those details often reveal more than the final score.
The earlier meeting set the stage
These clubs already met once in preseason, and Montréal rallied for a 3-2 overtime win over Ottawa on September 21 in Trois-Rivières. Cole Caufield scored twice, including the winner in extra time.
That result gives the rivalry some recent context, but it does not tell the whole story. A split-squad setup can change the balance completely, depending on which players are sent to each rink.
One lineup could feature more established scorers, while the other leans on prospects and depth pieces. The same is true in goal, where a different starter can swing both the likely outcome and the scoring pace.
How to think about the betting angle
- Check each lineup separately before looking at the moneyline, because the two games are not identical.
- Confirm the venue listed by your sportsbook, since Montréal and Ottawa are hosting different versions of the matchup.
- Watch the starting goalies closely, because young netminders and experimental defensive pairings can push a game toward higher scoring.
- Consider player props only if a skater is expected to log heavy minutes, and remember preseason usage is often unpredictable.
The safest approach is to wait for the announced lineups before making assumptions. A familiar name does not always mean familiar usage in late preseason.
What to focus on during the two games
The best takeaway from Saturday will come from the individual performances, not the combined scoreline. Which players handle tougher assignments, which combinations generate chances, and who looks ready for the pace of the regular season will matter most.
Those answers will tell both fan bases far more than either result alone. In that sense, the final preseason night is less about winning and more about clarity.
