Eastern Playoff Bubble: Red Wings vs Islanders | March 22, 2026

The Red Wings and Islanders are locked in a fierce battle for the last playoff spot in the East, with the Canadiens also in the mix. The Islanders are currently on the outside looking in, trailing the Red Wings by a single point. The Senators and Flyers are also still in contention, but their chances are dwindling.

The Red Wings currently occupy the last playoff spot with 84 points, while the Islanders are just below them with 83 points. The Canadiens are in the first wild card spot with 86 points, and the Senators and Flyers are further back with 81 and 80 points, respectively. The Capitals are all but eliminated with just 78 points.

If the Red Wings and Islanders were to finish tied in points, the Red Wings would have the advantage due to their higher number of regulation and overtime wins. The Red Wings have 27 ROW, while the Islanders have just 25. The Senators and Capitals both have 30 ROW, but they are not currently in position to take advantage of this tiebreaker.

The Red Wings have a tough schedule ahead of them, with several games against playoff contenders. The Islanders, on the other hand, have a more favorable schedule, which could give them an opportunity to gain ground. The Senators are currently the hottest team in the bubble, having won several games in a row, while the Flyers are struggling to find consistency.

Explore more: Services · Contact