The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are set for an unusual preseason night on Wednesday, September 23, with two split-squad games starting at 7 p.m. ET in different cities. One matchup is in Toronto, and the other is in Ottawa.
What makes this preseason setup unusual
This is not a standard exhibition game. Each team divides its camp roster into separate groups, so fans get two versions of the same rivalry at once.
- One game is played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
- The other is held at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.
- Both puck drops are scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
The format gives both coaching staffs more chances to evaluate players before the regular season begins on September 29.
Lineup decisions matter more than the logo on the jersey
Because these are split-squad games, the strength of each side depends entirely on which players are assigned to each venue. The better-looking roster in Toronto may not be the better one in Ottawa.
Ottawa is also working through a new look after trading former captain Brady Tkachuk. William Eklund is one of the players being watched closely as the Senators reshape their forward group.
Toronto has a short preseason slate, with its exhibition schedule limited to games against Montreal and Ottawa. That makes the roster decisions for Wednesday even more important.
How to approach betting this matchup
The safest betting move is to wait until the lineups are confirmed. A moneyline bet on Toronto in one game does not say anything about Toronto in the other game, because the rosters are different.
- Check the starting goaltenders first.
- Look at how many regular NHL forwards and defensemen are in each venue.
- Do not assume the home team has the stronger lineup.
- Review the total only after both rosters are posted.
Goaltending can change the outlook quickly, especially if one side uses a more experienced starter and the other leans on a younger option. The same caution applies to over/under picks, since preseason ice time is spread around and third-period usage can be unpredictable.
Player props need the most caution of all. Before backing a scorer or shots-on-goal play, make sure the player is actually in the correct game and likely to receive enough minutes to matter.
The clearest prediction for tonight
There is no trustworthy single-game pick until the split squads and starting goalies are known. The better bet is to compare each matchup separately after the official rosters are released.
If the odds already reflect the difference in experience and goaltending, there may be no value on the board. For fans, though, it is still a rare chance to watch two rivalry games unfold on the same night without needing to force a wager.