NHL playoff watch standings update: What's at stake on Wednesday

Tuesday night was of tremendous importance as the races for the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs wind down. The Dallas Stars' shootout win over the Vegas Golden Knights pushed the latter to the precipice of elimination (their "tragic number" is now one), and it clinched playoff spots for the Los Angeles Kings and the Nashville Predators. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes' 4-3 victoryover the New York Rangers cinched up the Metropolitan Division title. Finally, with the Colorado Avalanche winning and Florida Panthers losing, the Presidents' Trophy race will continue, as Florida's lead is down to two points.

A number of seeds have been locked in -- including all four division champs -- but there is much at stake in Wednesday's five-game slate. By earning one point with their shootout loss Tuesday night, the Knights have kept their playoff window open. They'll need a win Wednesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks(and help) to keep it that way. That help will come from the Arizona Coyotes, who are visiting the Stars. Should the Stars earn even one point Wednesday night, they'll be in and the Knights will be out, regardless of what Vegas does in its game.

Speaking of being out, the "race" for draft lottery position remains razor-hot. The Montreal Canadiens (skating against the Rangers on Wednesday) hold the top spot, with 51 points and 14 regulation wins; the Coyotes are second, with 53 points and 17 RW; the Seattle Kraken (in action against the Kings on Wednesday) are third, with 58 points and 22 RW. The Philadelphia Flyers are just behind them in fourth (61 points, 20 RW), and skate against the Winnipeg Jets (down in 14th, with 83 points and 29 RW).

And now, let's check in on the current playoff matchups, along with the Wednesday schedule, expanded standings and the full lottery order.

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

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

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Wednesday's games

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

Tuesday 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