Eastern Playoff Bubble: Senators vs Islanders | March 25, 2026
Published 3/25/2026
Quick Take
- The Senators (OTT) currently hold the bubble lead with 85 points.
- The Senators (OTT) have 85 points, while the Islanders (NYI) have 85 points, with a 0-point gap between the last team in and the first team out.
- A tiebreaker based on ROW could come into play, with the Senators (OTT) holding the advantage with 32 ROW to the Islanders (NYI)' 26 ROW.
The Senators (OTT) and Islanders (NYI) are embroiled in a heated battle for the last playoff spot in the East, with the Senators (OTT) currently holding on by the slimmest of margins. The drama is heightened by the presence of key players who have been instrumental in their teams' playoff pushes. As the season enters its final stretch, the tension is palpable.
The cutoff line is clear: the Senators (OTT) are in with 85 points, while the Islanders (NYI) are out with the same 85 points, due to having played one more game. The Bruins (BOS) are safely in with 86 points, and the Red Wings (DET) are still in the mix with 84 points. The Flyers (PHI) and Capitals (WSH) are further back with 80 and 79 points, respectively.
If the Senators (OTT) and Islanders (NYI) finish tied in points, the ROW tiebreaker would come into play, with the Senators (OTT) holding the advantage. This could be the deciding factor in determining which team secures the last playoff spot. The Senators (OTT) have 32 ROW, while the Islanders (NYI) have 26 ROW.
The Senators (OTT) have a slightly tougher road ahead, with multiple games against playoff contenders, while the Islanders (NYI) have been playing well lately, which could give them the momentum they need to overtake the Senators (OTT). The Red Wings (DET) are also still in the mix, but their schedule is daunting, with several games against top teams in the conference.
