Eastern Playoff Bubble: Senators vs Islanders | April 6, 2026
Published 4/6/2026

Quick Take
- The Senators (OTT) currently hold the second wild card spot with 90 points.
- The Senators (OTT) have 90 points, while the Islanders (NYI) have 89 points, a gap of 1 point.
- In the event of a tie, the Senators (OTT) have a significant edge due to their higher ROW total, which would serve as the first tiebreaker.
The Eastern Conference playoff bubble is heating up, with the Senators (OTT) and Islanders (NYI) engaged in a fierce battle for the last spot. Senators (OTT) players like Brady Tkachuk are stepping up to lead their team to a potential playoff berth. The intensity is palpable as these teams fight for their postseason lives.
The current playoff cutoff line has the Bruins (BOS) and Senators (OTT) in the wild card spots with 95 and 90 points, respectively. The Islanders (NYI) are on the outside with 89 points, while the Red Wings (DET) and Blue Jackets (CBJ) are close behind with 88 points each. The Capitals (WSH) are still in the mix with 87 points.
If the Islanders (NYI) and Senators (OTT) were to finish tied in points, the Senators (OTT) would have the edge due to their higher ROW total, which would secure them the last playoff spot. This tiebreaker could be the deciding factor in the tight playoff race.
As the season enters its final stretch, the Senators (OTT) have a slightly easier schedule, while the Islanders (NYI) face a tougher road ahead. The Red Wings (DET) and Blue Jackets (CBJ) are also playing well, making the final few games crucial for all teams involved in the playoff bubble.
