Canadiens Preview: Kapanen Sits, Xhekaj Brothers Set To Play

The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.

This is the final game of the preseason for both teams, and though the last match-up ended in bloodshed, the expectation this time around is that both clubs will behave, relatively speaking.

The Habs and Senators renewed their bloody feud on Thursday in Quebec City, with several fights, many big hits, and a few ugly plays that resulted in the Department of Player Safety fining two Ottawa forwards. Montreal held a clear edge in the physical play, but more importantly, they also dominated the Senators on the scoresheet, emerging with a well-deserved 5-0 win.

Shockingly the Xhekaj brothers were at the centre of most of the battles, a situation that only intensified the clear-cut frustration from the Senators, who spent most of the game attempting to gain the physical edge against opponents they could never hope to subdue.

MUST READ: Canadiens Highlights: Demidov Shines On Xhekaj Fight Night

Senators agitator Zack MacEwen will not be in the mix, as he was traded to the New Jersey Devils following Thursday’s embarrassing outing for the organization. It remains to be seen which players will face the Habs, but judging by Ottawa’s lines at practice on Friday, the Canadiens will be facing a lineup with much more established NHL talent.

As for the Canadiens, it’s worth noting Oliver Kapanen will not take part in Saturday’s game, and though it’s always dangerous to assume certain players have qualified for the team, his absence does suggest the Canadiens have already seen everything they need to know before including him in their NHL lineup. Kapanen’s linemates, Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook, will also watch Saturday’s game from the press box.

All eyes will be on the fourth line, featuring Owen Beck, Florian Xhekaj, and Samuel Blais, three players who are expected to fill the physical gap left behind when Michael Pezzetta and Emil Heineman left the organization in the summer. On the blue line, NHL hopeful Adam Engstrom will be paired with Arber Xhekaj on the third pairing, providing a nice balance of skill and toughness.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Ottawa Senators Projected Lineup Based On Practice

Tkachuk – Stützle – Giroux
Perron – Cozens – Zetterlund
Greig – Pinto – Amadio
Cousins – Eller – MacDermid

Sanderson – Zub
Chabot – Jensen
Spence – Yakemchuk

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How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators, Saturday, October 4, 2025

The Canadiens’ preseason game versus the Senators will be aired on TSN2, TSN5, and RDS.

Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.