Eastern Playoff Bubble: Senators vs Red Wings | April 3, 2026
Published 4/3/2026
Quick Take
- The Senators (OTT) currently hold the bubble lead with 88 points.
- The Senators (OTT) have 88 points, while the Red Wings (DET) have 88 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 33 ROW compared to the Red Wings (DET) and their 29 ROW.
The Eastern Conference playoff bubble is heating up, with the Senators (OTT) and Red Wings (DET) vying for the last spot. Brad Marchand and the Bruins (BOS) are watching from a safe distance, having already secured a playoff berth. The pressure is on Senators (OTT) goalie Cam Talbot to come up big in the final stretch.
The current playoff cutoff line has the Bruins (BOS) at 94 points, with the Senators (OTT) clinging to the last wild card spot at 88 points. The Red Wings (DET), Blue Jackets (CBJ), Flyers (PHI), and Capitals (WSH) are all on the outside looking in, with 88, 88, 86, and 85 points, respectively.
In the event of a tie, the ROW tiebreaker will come into play, with the Senators (OTT) holding a significant advantage over the Red Wings (DET) and Blue Jackets (CBJ). The Capitals (WSH) are also in the mix, with a respectable 32 ROW, but their lower point total puts them at a disadvantage.
As the season winds down, the Red Wings (DET) face a tough schedule, with games against the Bruins (BOS) and Capitals (WSH) looming. Meanwhile, the Senators (OTT) are riding a hot streak, with Tim Stützle leading the charge. The Flyers (PHI) are also playing well, but their lack of ROW may ultimately be their downfall.
