Who's in 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest standings, bracket, tiebreakers

The NHL 's 15-game schedule on Saturday, March 28, could see a lot of movement in the playoff standings throughout the day. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Ottawa Senators at 1 p. m.

ET and the New York Islanders are also in action at that time. If the Lightning win, they'd move in front of the Buffalo Sabres for the Atlantic Division lead based on points percentage because they have played fewer games. If the Senators win and the Islanders lose, Ottawa would move into the second wild-card position.

If the Islanders win, they'd temporarily move from the second wild-card spot into second place in the Metropolitan Division, passing the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. But all that could change later in the day. The Sabres could reclaim the Atlantic Division lead if they end their three-game losing streak.

Buffalo would also move into the top seed in the Eastern Conference if it gains one more point than the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. The Penguins and Blue Jackets have games later in the day. Another team to watch is the Detroit Red Wings, who host the Philadelphia Flyers at 8 p.