Eastern Playoff Bubble: Islanders vs Senators | March 27, 2026
Published 3/27/2026
Quick Take
- The Islanders (NYI) currently hold the last playoff spot with 87 points.
- The last team in, the Islanders (NYI), has 87 points, while the first team out, the Senators (OTT), has 86 points, a gap of 1 point.
- A tiebreaker or schedule insight to watch is the fact that the Senators (OTT) have a game in hand on the Islanders (NYI), which could greatly impact the final standings.
The Eastern Conference playoff bubble is heating up, with the Islanders (NYI) and Senators (OTT) locked in a fierce battle for the last wild card spot. The Islanders (NYI) are clinging to their position, while the Senators (OTT) are pushing hard to overtake them. The drama is unfolding with each passing game.
The current playoff cutoff line has the Islanders (NYI) (87 pts) in the last wild card spot, with the Senators (OTT) (86 pts) on the outside looking in. The Bruins (BOS) (88 pts) are securely in the first wild card spot, while the Red Wings (DET) (84 pts), Flyers (PHI) (82 pts), and Capitals (WSH) (81 pts) are still mathematically alive but face an uphill climb.
If the Islanders (NYI) and Senators (OTT) finish tied in points, the Senators (OTT) would win the tiebreaker with their 32 regulation wins, compared to the Islanders (NYI)' 27. This could be a crucial factor in determining which team ultimately makes the playoffs.
The schedule and momentum are not in the Islanders (NYI)' favor, as they face a tough road ahead, including games against top teams. In contrast, the Senators (OTT) have a slightly easier schedule and are playing well, having won several games in a row, which could give them the push they need to overtake the Islanders (NYI) and claim the last playoff spot.
