The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are set for an unusual preseason evening on Wednesday, September 23, with two split-squad games starting at 7 p.m. ET. One matchup will be played in Toronto and the other in Ottawa, giving both markets a home game at the same time.
Why this preseason setup stands out
This is not a standard exhibition meeting. Each club is dividing its camp roster into separate groups, so the lineup in Toronto will not be the same as the one in Ottawa. That makes the night more like two parallel games than one head-to-head preview.
For fans, it creates a rare chance to follow both ends of the rivalry at once. For coaches, it provides a bigger sample of players before the regular season begins on September 29.
- Both games begin at 7 p.m. ET.
- Toronto hosts one version of the matchup.
- Ottawa hosts the other version.
- Player usage will depend on the game-specific roster.
Storylines worth watching on both sides
Ottawa enters the preseason with major changes after trading former captain Brady Tkachuk. The Senators are using this stretch to evaluate a reshaped forward group, and newcomer William Eklund is part of that assessment.
Toronto’s schedule is much shorter than usual, with only four exhibition games on the calendar, all against Montreal and Ottawa. That makes every roster decision more important, especially in a split-squad setting where each venue can look completely different.
The most important detail on Wednesday is simple: the team you see in Toronto may be built from a different mix of players than the team you see in Ottawa. Anyone tracking the rivalry should treat them as separate games, not one combined result.
How to approach the betting market
The smartest move is to wait for the final lineups before making a pick. A Toronto moneyline bet in one building is tied to a different roster than a Toronto moneyline bet in the other, so the venue and opponent listing matter more than the team name alone.
Start with the goaltenders. A proven NHL starter against a younger lineup can shift both the moneyline and the total, especially if the supporting cast is also uneven. Then compare the number of regular NHL forwards and defensemen on each side before deciding whether one roster has a clear edge.
- Check the starting goalie first.
- Compare how many established NHL skaters are active.
- Confirm the correct venue before looking at odds.
- Be cautious with player props if ice time is unclear.
Best read on the game
There is no dependable single pick until the split squads are posted and the goalies are known. The stronger team in Toronto may not be the stronger team in Ottawa, and that alone can change the betting outlook.
The most useful approach is to evaluate each game separately after the rosters are announced. If the odds already reflect the gap in experience and netminding, the safest play may be no play at all. Fans can still enjoy a lively preseason rivalry without forcing a wager.
