Eastern Playoff Bubble: Islanders vs Red Wings | March 23, 2026
Published 3/23/2026
Quick Take
- The Islanders (NYI) currently hold the bubble lead with 85 points.
- The Islanders (NYI) have 85 points, while the Red Wings (DET) have 84 points, a gap of 1 point.
- In the event of a tie, the Red Wings (DET) have a higher ROW total than the Islanders (NYI), which could become a crucial tiebreaker.
The Eastern Conference playoff bubble is heating up, with the Islanders (NYI) and Red Wings (DET) engaged in a fierce battle for the last spot. The Canadiens (MTL) are sitting comfortably in the first wild card position, but the Islanders (NYI) are feeling the pressure from the Red Wings (DET) and other bubble teams. The margin for error is slim, and every point counts.
The current cutoff line has the Canadiens (MTL) at 86 points and the Islanders (NYI) at 85 points, with the Red Wings (DET) on the outside looking in at 84 points. The Senators (OTT) and Flyers (PHI) are still in the mix, but they need to string together some wins to get back into contention. The Capitals (WSH) are trailing behind, and their chances are dwindling.
In the event of a tie, the ROW tiebreaker will come into play, and the Red Wings (DET) have a slight advantage over the Islanders (NYI) with 27 ROW compared to 26. However, the Senators (OTT) and Capitals (WSH) have the highest ROW totals among the bubble teams, which could work in their favor if they can close the point gap.
As the schedule winds down, the Red Wings (DET) have a tougher road ahead, with multiple games against top teams in the conference. The Islanders (NYI) are playing well, but they need to maintain their momentum to hold off the Red Wings (DET) and other challengers. The Senators (OTT) are gaining steam, and they could be a dark horse in the bubble race if they can keep winning.
