Eastern Playoff Bubble: Islanders vs Senators | March 28, 2026
Published 3/28/2026
Quick Take
- The Islanders (NYI) currently hold the bubble lead with 87 points.
- The Islanders (NYI) have 87 points, while the Senators (OTT) have 86 points, a gap of 1 point.
- A tiebreaker or schedule insight to watch is the Senators (OTT) having a game in hand and a higher ROW count, which could become crucial if they finish tied in points with the Islanders (NYI).
The Eastern Conference playoff bubble is heating up, with the Islanders (NYI) clinging to the last wild-card spot and the Senators (OTT) pushing hard to overtake them. The Red Wings (DET) are also still in the mix, but their chances are dwindling. As the season enters its final stretch, the pressure is mounting on these bubble teams.
The current cutoff line has the Islanders (NYI) (87 pts) in the second wild-card spot, while the Senators (OTT) (86 pts) and Red Wings (DET) (86 pts) are on the outside looking in. The Bruins (BOS) (88 pts) have a slight cushion in the first wild-card spot, but they cannot afford to let their guard down. The Flyers (PHI) (82 pts) and Capitals (WSH) (81 pts) are further back, but still mathematically alive.
If the Islanders (NYI) and Senators (OTT) finish tied in points, the Senators (OTT) would have the edge due to their higher ROW count, which could prove decisive in the tight playoff race. However, the Islanders (NYI) have a chance to control their own destiny and avoid the tiebreaker scenario altogether.
As the schedule winds down, the Islanders (NYI) face a tough road ahead, with several games against playoff contenders. The Senators (OTT), on the other hand, have a more favorable schedule, which could give them the momentum they need to overtake the Islanders (NYI) and snatch the last playoff spot. The Red Wings (DET) are also playing well, but their chances of making a late surge are slim.
