One Rivalry, Two Games, Same Start Time
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are set for an unusual preseason night on Wednesday, September 23. Instead of one matchup, the clubs will play two split-squad games at the same time, with both faceoffs scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
One game will be in Toronto and the other in Ottawa, giving fans in both cities a home date with the same rivalry. Because each team divides its training camp roster, the result in one arena does not tell the full story of the other.
Why This Format Changes Everything
This setup gives coaches extra game action before the regular season begins on September 29. It also lets them evaluate more players in real game situations while sorting out roles, combinations, and depth decisions.
Ottawa is working through a new phase after moving on from former captain Brady Tkachuk, and William Eklund is among the players being watched as the forward group takes shape. Toronto’s preseason calendar is also very compact, with its exhibitions against Montreal and Ottawa making up all four of its warm-up games.
How to Approach Betting Leafs vs. Senators
The smartest move is to wait until the rosters are posted. A Toronto moneyline in the home game is not the same bet as a Toronto moneyline in Ottawa, because each contest features a different group of skaters and a different goaltending setup.
Start by checking the confirmed starting goalies. If one side uses an experienced NHL netminder against a younger lineup, that can swing both the moneyline and the total. After that, compare how many regular NHL forwards and defensemen are assigned to each rink.
The total is worth a look only after the lineups are clear. Preseason games can be messy, especially if coaches spread ice time widely or rotate defense pairs often. A strong first period does not guarantee the same pace later in the night.
Player props require the most caution. Before backing a scorer or shots-on-goal angle, make sure the player is in the correct game and is likely to get enough minutes to matter. If the role is unclear, passing is often the best option.
Three Quick Betting Checks Before You Wager
- Confirm which game you are betting, since Toronto and Ottawa each have separate split-squad rosters.
- Check the starting goalie and compare the level of NHL experience on both sides.
- Review player availability before touching props, because ice time can be limited and uneven.
Best Read on the Night
There is no trustworthy single-pick until the lineups and goalies are official. The stronger team in Toronto may not be the stronger team in Ottawa, so each game has to be judged on its own.
The clearest edge may never appear at all, which is why patience matters more than forcing a preseason opinion. Fans can still enjoy two versions of the same Ontario rivalry without needing to make a bet on either one.
