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, giving fans two matchups to follow at the same time and giving coaches one last look at players fighting for roles.

That setup changes how the night should be read. The roster that takes the ice in Montreal may look very different from the group in Ottawa, so the name on the front of the jersey matters less than the actual lineup behind it.

Why the final preseason games carry real weight

These games are not mainly about the scoreboard. They are about deciding who is ready, who still needs another step, and which combinations deserve another chance before the regular season begins.

Montreal’s camp runs through September 26, and the club opens the regular season against Toronto on September 29. That leaves Saturday as the final chance for players on the bubble to make a strong last impression.

Ottawa has the same kind of evaluation to complete. With two games on the schedule, the Senators can spread meaningful ice time across more players, which makes usage patterns just as important as the final score.

What the earlier meeting already showed

The Canadiens and Senators have already met once this preseason, and that game gave Montreal a 3-2 overtime win in Trois-Rivières on September 21. Cole Caufield scored twice in that comeback victory, including the deciding goal in extra time.

Still, that result should not be treated as a full preview of Saturday’s action. Split-squad hockey can produce two very different games, especially if one side sends more established forwards to one rink or changes the starting goalie.

That is why the earlier outcome is useful only as a reminder that both teams can create offense. It does not say much about how either matchup in the split-squad finale will actually unfold.

Betting angles that depend on lineups

• Wait for both rosters before looking at the moneyline, because the stronger group may already be priced into the market.
• Check the venue carefully, since Montreal and Ottawa are each hosting a game and the listings can be easy to mix up.
• Pay close attention to the starting goalies, because young netminders and experimental defensive pairings can push the total toward the over.
• Consider a player prop only if a skater is expected to log heavy minutes and the price still offers value.

The biggest mistake is assuming a familiar name will receive normal preseason usage. Coaches often shorten or reshape roles in the final tune-up, and that makes ice time hard to predict until the lineups are confirmed.

What fans should watch beyond the final score

The best clues for the regular season will come from individual performances, not the standings result from either rink. Look for players handling tougher minutes, line combinations creating chances, and goaltenders showing they can handle NHL pace.

Those details will reveal far more about Montreal and Ottawa’s readiness than the win-loss column ever could. Saturday is the last audition, and every shift will matter to someone trying to stay on the roster.