Montreal vs Ottawa Prediction 21 September 2026
🔊 Montreal have already played two preseason games, defeating Toronto on both occasions. For Ottawa, this will be their first real test since opening training camp. The Senators are expected to send a lineup close to their regular roster to Trois-Rivières, although Thomas Chabot will not make the trip. That means the hosts come into this matchup with some game experience under their belts, while the visitors are just getting their exhibition campaign underway.
Head-to-Head
📊 Last season, these teams faced off six times, including two preseason clashes. Montreal came out on top in four of those meetings, while Ottawa claimed victory twice. It’s hard to call their matchups dull-these contests averaged 6.1 goals per game.
Head-to-head statistics Montreal - Ottawa
Montreal have already found their rhythm.
The Canadiens have kicked off their preseason with back-to-back wins over Toronto, racking up eight goals across those two games. Montreal’s goaltenders combined for 42 saves, while Cole Caufield netted the overtime winner in front of the home crowd. Ivan Demidov also made his mark, converting on the power play off a feed from Lane Hutson. Over the summer, Chris Kreider bolstered the attack-he registered 50 points last season, tallying 22 goals and 28 assists.
Match Results: Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa are searching for a new lineup combination
The Senators kick off their preseason campaign without Brady Tkachuk, who tallied 59 points last season-22 goals and 37 assists. Among the key newcomers is William Eklund, coming off a 55-point year with 15 goals and 38 assists. Meanwhile, 38-year-old Claude Giroux remains a crucial part of the special teams setup: in training sessions, he’s been skating on the second power-play unit alongside Thomas Chabot and Shane Pinto, before also taking shifts on the penalty kill. Chabot himself will miss the trip to Trois-Rivières due to family reasons.
Match Results: Ottawa Senators
⭐️ Editor’s Prediction
Late in preseason games, both sides tend to keep things tight. Montreal have seen under 2.5 goals in the third period in 12 of their last 13 exhibition matchups. Ottawa show a similar trend - the third period total has stayed under 2.5 goals in 11 of their previous 12 preseason contests. My pick: under 2.5 goals in the third period.
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Betting Tips: Montreal Canadiens - Ottawa Senators
in 18 of last 19 games (NHL Preseason).in 12 of last 13 Montreal Canadiens games (NHL Preseason).in 11 of last 12 Ottawa Senators games (NHL Preseason).in 26 of last 28 games (NHL Preseason).in 20 of last 22 games (NHL Preseason).Other predictions
