The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators close out the preseason on Saturday, September 26, with split-squad games in both cities. Each team will divide its roster, so fans will be watching two separate lineups at the same time.
That setup makes the night feel less like one game and more like two different auditions. Some players are locking in their roles for opening night, while others are trying to squeeze into the conversation with one last strong showing.
What the final preseason games are really about
The score still matters, but the bigger goal is evaluation. Coaches are using these games to test combinations, compare depth options, and see who can handle a tougher pace against NHL competition.
For Montreal, the timing is especially important because training camp runs through September 26 and the regular season begins September 29 against Toronto. That leaves very little room for fringe players to make a lasting case.
Ottawa faces a similar challenge, but the split-squad format gives the Senators more chances to spread ice time across a larger group. Power-play usage, late-game shifts, and goaltending assignments will tell a lot about how the staff sees each player.
Why the earlier meeting should not be overread
The two clubs already met earlier in the preseason, when Montreal came back to beat Ottawa 3-2 in overtime on September 21 in Trois-Rivières. Cole Caufield scored twice in that game, including the winner in extra time.
Even so, that result is only a loose reference point. Saturday’s split-squad format can change the entire feel of both matchups, depending on which skaters and goaltenders are used in each city.
A stronger forward group in one building could tilt that contest in a very different direction from the one happening elsewhere. The same is true in net, where a different starter can shift both the expected outcome and the feel of any goals market.
Betting angles depend on the lineups
Any moneyline look should start with the actual rosters, not just the team names. One side may dress more regulars, but the sportsbook price could already account for that edge, so the matchup needs to be checked game by game.
Totals are even more sensitive. Young goaltenders, experimental pairings, and heavy roster turnover can push a game toward the over, while veteran netminders and more stable lineups can make the under more appealing.
Player props are possible only if a skater is expected to get meaningful ice time and a fair price. Preseason usage is unpredictable, so a familiar name does not always mean a full workload or first-unit power-play duty.
What to watch when the puck drops
The best way to follow Saturday is by tracking performance instead of fixating on the final score. The most useful clues will come from which players are trusted in tough minutes and which combinations create real scoring chances.
It will also be worth watching which goaltenders take the heavier load and who looks comfortable at game speed. Those details will reveal far more about the coming season than either preseason result on its own.
