Eastern Playoff Bubble: Blue Jackets vs Senators | April 2, 2026
Published 4/2/2026
Quick Take
- The Blue Jackets currently hold the bubble lead with 88 points.
- The last team in, the Blue Jackets with 88 points, is 2 points ahead of the first team out, the Senators with 86 points.
- A tiebreaker or schedule insight is that the Senators have a game in hand, which could significantly impact their chances if they can secure wins.
The playoff bubble in the East is heating up, with the Blue Jackets (88 pts) clinging to the last wild-card spot, while the Senators (86 pts), Red Wings (86 pts), and Flyers (86 pts) are all knocking on the door. The human drama is palpable, with players like Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau giving it their all to secure a postseason berth. The pressure is mounting as the season winds down.
The current cutoff line has the Blue Jackets (88 pts) in and the Senators (86 pts), Red Wings (86 pts), and Flyers (86 pts) out, with the Capitals (85 pts) also still in the mix. The point totals are incredibly close, setting up a thrilling finish to the season. The Bruins (94 pts) are comfortably in, but everyone else is fighting for their lives.
If teams finish tied in points, the ROW tiebreaker will come into play, which could be crucial in determining the final playoff spot. The Senators (32 ROW) and Capitals (32 ROW) have a significant advantage in this regard, while the Blue Jackets (27 ROW) and Red Wings (28 ROW) are at a disadvantage. The Flyers (23 ROW) are in the toughest spot, with the lowest number of regulation wins among the bubble teams.
The schedule and momentum will also play a huge role in the final stretch, with the Senators having a game in hand and the Red Wings facing a tough road trip. The Blue Jackets are playing well, having won their last two games, but the Flyers are struggling to find consistency. The Capitals have a relatively easy schedule, which could help them make a late push for the playoffs.
