Habs, Leafs Open Preseason With Two Split-Squad Games

The Canadiens and Maple Leafs open their exhibition schedules Saturday with two games at once, split squads meeting at the Bell Centre in Montreal and at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Both puck drops are set for 7 p.m. ET.

It is the first of two split-squad dates on Montreal's preseason calendar this month. The NHL has shortened the preseason ahead of an expanded 84-game regular season, giving both clubs less time to evaluate their lineups.

Montreal's training-camp groups are scheduled to skate Saturday morning at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard beginning at 10:30 a.m. Head coach Martin St-Louis and select players are slated to speak with reporters there, with official lineups expected closer to puck drop.

For fans going to the Bell Centre, the UCI Road World Championships are scheduled in Montreal from September 20 to 27. The Canadiens warn that traffic disruptions could begin Saturday and advise fans to allow extra time and use public transit. The city's road-closure notice also warns of disruptions starting September 19.