NHL playoff watch standings update: Battle of Florida highlights Sunday's schedule

Some rivalries in the NHL have existed for decades; think Boston Bruins-Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks-Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers-New York Islanders, etc. But some of the most heated grudge matches have materialized more recently, such as the one between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The two Florida teams would seem like natural rivals, but the clubs didn't hit peaks in their competitive cycles simultaneously until the past few seasons. And now, their games are simply must-watch for all hockey fans, period. That included the first-round series from the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, and it includes tonight's game (7 ET, ESPN+ and Hulu).

Both clubs are playoff-bound, and this could be a preview of a second-round matchup, should the Panthers defeat the East's second wild card (currently the Washington Capitals), and the Lightning take care of the Toronto Maple Leafs. But we're pretty sure no one will be thinking that far ahead with their rivals on the other side of the ice tonight.

As we enter the final stretch of the 2021-22 regular season, it's time to check in on all the playoff races -- along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2022 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via FiveThirtyEight. Tragic numbers are courtesy of Damian Echevarrieta of the NHL.

Jump ahead:br/>Current playoff matchupsbr/>Friday's gamesbr/>Thursday night's scoresbr/>Expanded standingsbr/>Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Today's games

Note: All times Eastern. All out-of-market, non-TNT games available to stream on ESPN+.

Last night's scoreboard

Watch In the Crease on ESPN+ for highlights from every game.

Expanded standings

Note: x = clinched playoff spot; y = clinched division title; z = clinched best conference record; e = eliminated

Atlantic Division

z - Florida Panthers

Points: 120