Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 3 2026
The Ottawa Senators visit the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the first Battle of Ontario of the new season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Ottawa is making its regular-season debut after finishing with 99 points last season, while Toronto has already played twice and enters 1-1-0. Ottawa won three of the four meetings between these rivals last season. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more NHL predictions throughout the season.
Ottawa Finally Opens Its Season
Ottawa has had to wait while much of the league began playing, making Saturday the Senators’ first competitive game of 2026-27. They enter after finishing ninth overall last season with 99 points and a +32 goal differential.
The Senators also controlled last year’s Battle of Ontario. Ottawa won three of four meetings and captured the final three in succession. Toronto’s lone victory was a wild 7-5 game at Scotiabank Arena.
There are availability concerns entering the opener, however. Ottawa has several players dealing with injuries, making the morning skate worth monitoring before finalizing wagers.
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Toronto Already Has Two Games Under Its Belt
Toronto enters with an advantage Ottawa simply cannot replicate: actual regular-season game action. The Maple Leafs have already played twice and are 1-1-0.
That gives Toronto some early rhythm, but last season’s overall numbers remain concerning. Ottawa finished 21 points ahead of Toronto and posted a +32 goal differential compared with Toronto’s -46.
The goaltending situation also deserves attention. Toronto has already used both of its goaltenders through two games, making the confirmed starter an important piece of information before puck drop.
Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Prediction
Pick: Ottawa Senators Moneyline
Toronto’s home ice and two-game head start make this closer than last season’s standings suggest, but Ottawa remains the preferred side. The Senators finished 21 points better, carried a +32 goal differential and won three of four meetings. Toronto’s early-season rhythm is meaningful, but not enough to completely erase the larger performance gap from 2025-26.
Pick: Over 6
Three of last season’s four meetings cleared six combined goals, including Toronto’s 7-5 victory. The Maple Leafs surrendered 299 goals last season, and their goaltending situation remains unsettled early in the campaign. Ottawa should be capable of creating chances even in its opener, while Toronto has the home-ice offense to contribute. Take the Over if the total remains at six.
Final Picks: Ottawa Senators Moneyline and Over 6
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