Why Wednesday night stands out
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are set for a preseason oddity on Wednesday, September 23: two games, two cities, and the same 7 p.m. ET start time. One matchup will be played in Toronto, while the other unfolds in Ottawa.
This is a split-squad setup, so each team will divide training camp players between a home group and a road group. That makes the night more interesting for fans, but it also makes any quick prediction risky because the roster in each building may look completely different.
How the split-squad format changes the night
Both clubs get a home date, and both coaching staffs get a larger sample of players before the regular season opens on September 29. The format is useful for evaluation, especially with camp battles still unresolved.
It also creates two separate versions of the rivalry. The Senators will host one Leafs lineup at Canadian Tire Centre, while another Ottawa group travels to Toronto to face the Leafs there.
| Game | Location | Start Time | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leafs vs. Senators | Toronto | 7 p.m. ET | One split-squad meeting with a home Toronto roster |
| Senators vs. Leafs | Ottawa | 7 p.m. ET | One split-squad meeting with a home Ottawa roster |
Key storylines on both sides
Ottawa enters the preseason with major roster changes and fresh questions about its forward group. New arrival William Eklund is one of the players being evaluated as the Senators try to reshape their lineup after trading former captain Brady Tkachuk.
Toronto, meanwhile, has a short exhibition slate. Its preseason schedule against Montreal and Ottawa accounts for all four of its games, so every look at camp players matters more than usual.
- Both teams are using the night to assess camp depth.
- Each venue may feature a different mix of NHL regulars and younger players.
- The strength of the betting side depends entirely on which roster is assigned to that game.
Smart betting approach for Canadian fans
The safest move is to wait until the rosters and starting goaltenders are confirmed. A moneyline in Toronto is not the same bet as a moneyline in Ottawa, even though the opponent is the same.
Goaltending should be the first thing to check. If one side sends an established NHL starter against a less experienced lineup, that can quickly alter the value of a side or total.
The game total deserves a look only after the lineups are announced. In preseason, coaches often spread ice time around, and a strong first period does not guarantee a full-game result.
Player props require the most caution. Before backing a scorer or shots-on-goal number, confirm that the player is in the correct game and likely to play meaningful minutes. If the assignment is unclear, skipping the prop is usually the wiser choice.
Best prediction for Leafs vs. Senators
There is no dependable single pick until the split squads and starting goalies are revealed. The Toronto roster could be stronger in one city, while Ottawa may have the better group in the other.
The real edge, if one exists, will come from comparing each game separately after the lineups are posted. If the odds already reflect the difference in experience and goaltending, there may be no value at all. Fans can still enjoy the rivalry without forcing a preseason bet.
