Saturday closes the preseason for Montreal and Ottawa
The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators finish their preseason on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad games in both Montreal and Ottawa. Each club will divide its roster, so one group plays at home while the other takes the ice in the opposite city.
That setup makes this more than a simple exhibition night. Established NHL players are getting their final tune-up, while bubble players have one more chance to prove they belong on the opening-night roster.
- Montreal and Ottawa both play twice on the same day.
- Lineups matter more than the team names on the schedule.
- Final roster decisions are the real focus for coaches.
Why the final preseason games matter
Wins still count in the standings sheet, but the bigger story is evaluation. Coaches can test combinations, watch players in different roles, and decide who looks ready for regular-season ice time.
For Montreal, the timing is especially important. Training camp runs through September 26, and the regular-season opener against Toronto comes on September 29. Saturday is the last real chance for fringe players to leave a lasting impression.
Ottawa is in the same position, but with two games available, the Senators can spread out opportunities and give more players meaningful minutes. Power-play usage, late-game shifts, and goaltender assignments will tell a lot about how the staff views each skater.
The earlier meeting showed the rivalry’s edge
The teams already met once this preseason, and Montreal came out on top with a 3-2 overtime win over Ottawa on September 21 in Trois-Rivières. Cole Caufield scored twice, including the overtime winner, in that game.
That result is worth remembering, but it should not be treated as a clean preview for Saturday. Split squads change everything, from the strength of the forward groups to the goaltending matchup.
A game with more regulars in one city can look completely different from the one being played at the same time elsewhere. The same idea applies to scoring chances and totals, which can swing sharply depending on who starts in goal.
What bettors and fans should watch closely
Anyone looking at the board should check the actual lineups before considering a side. The better roster on paper may already be reflected in the price, and the venue matters too because the two games are listed separately.
- Compare each lineup before touching the moneyline.
- Watch the starting goalies before thinking about the over or under.
- Look for forwards projected to play heavy minutes if considering player props.
Totals are especially sensitive in preseason hockey. Young goaltenders and experimental defense pairs can create higher-scoring games, while stronger lineups with veteran netminders can make the under more appealing.
Player props can also be interesting, but preseason usage is hard to predict. A familiar name may not play a full game, and power-play time is never guaranteed.
The best way to read the finale
The final score matters less than the details inside each game. The most useful clues will come from who handles tough minutes, which combinations create offense, and which players look ready for the pace of the regular season.
Those answers should say more about the season ahead than either result on its own.