NHL playoff standings: Panthers-Stars a Cup Final preview?

We are 37 days away from the end of the 2023-24 NHL regular season. Is it too early to start projecting the Stanley Cup Final matchups we'd like to witness? No!

One of those enticing matchups will take place Tuesday night, as the Florida Panthers visit the Dallas Stars (8 ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). The two teams are leading their respective divisions heading into Tuesday night's showdown, and each made smart moves leading up to the trade deadline; the Stars landed playoff-ready defensive defenseman Chris Tanev, while the Panthers nabbed scoring winger Vladimir Tarasenko and veteran forward Kyle Okposo.

The teams met on Dec. 6, with the Panthers sending their fans home happy with a 5-4 victory. Both teams enter this matchup on relatively hot streaks, as the Panthers are 8-2-0 in their past 10 games and the Stars are 6-3-1. The eyes of the hockey world will be on this one as the two juggernauts continue their path to the postseason.

As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, it's time to check in on all the playoff races -- along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2024 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:br/>Current playoff matchupsbr/>Today's schedulebr/>Last night's scoresbr/>Expanded standingsbr/>Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Tuesday's games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available via NHL Power Play, which is included in an ESPN+ subscription (local blackout restrictions apply).

Monday's scoreboard

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Florida Panthers

Points: 92