Split-Squad Stakes in Montreal and Ottawa

The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out preseason play on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad matchups in both cities. Each club will divide its roster, so one group plays in Montreal while the other takes the ice in Ottawa.

That setup makes the day more revealing than a standard exhibition game. Fans get two games to track, and coaches get one last chance to sort out roles, chemistry, and roster decisions before the regular season begins.

Why the final preseason date matters

Results still count in the standings for pride, but the bigger story is evaluation. Coaches can test players in different situations, experiment with combinations, and see who looks ready for NHL minutes.

For Montreal, the timing is especially important because training camp runs through September 26 and the regular-season opener against Toronto arrives on September 29. Players fighting for a roster spot have one final window to leave a lasting impression.

Ottawa has a similar objective. With two games on the schedule, the Senators can spread out ice time, give younger players meaningful shifts, and decide who deserves special-teams work or late-game responsibility.

• Watch which skaters are used on the power play.
• Notice which goaltenders get the heavier workload.
• Pay attention to who finishes games in tight situations.
• Compare the quality of line combinations in each city.

What the earlier meeting already showed

The rivals have already faced each other once this preseason. On September 21 in Trois-Rivières, Montreal came from behind to beat Ottawa 3-2 in overtime, with Cole Caufield scoring twice, including the winner in the extra period.

That result is worth remembering, but it should not be treated as a direct forecast for Saturday. Split-squad games can feature very different rosters, and the matchup in one city may look nothing like the one in the other.

Goaltending matters just as much. A game started by a veteran netminder can look far different from one with a young goalie and a makeshift defense in front of him.

How to think about the betting angles

Anyone considering a wager needs to check the exact lineup for each game first. The team name alone does not tell the full story, because the stronger side on paper may already be reflected in the price.

Goals totals can shift quickly once the starting goaltenders are announced. If both teams dress inexperienced goalies or patch together defense pairs, the over may become more attractive. If more established players are used, that same total can look very different.

Player props can also be interesting, but only if the expected usage makes sense. A forward projected to log heavy minutes may be worth a look, yet preseason ice time is never guaranteed, and power-play roles are often temporary.

The smartest way to follow Saturday

The most useful takeaways will come from the details, not the final scores. Look for which players win tough assignments, which line combinations create offense, and which goaltenders handle pressure well.

Those clues will say more about the Canadiens and Senators heading into the regular season than either preseason result on its own.