NHL playoff watch standings update - Key matchups on the schedule Tuesday

Following Monday's trade deadline, the NHL's top contenders have all loaded up for the final rush to the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the eight teams in the Eastern Conference field are largely decided (with some shuffling forthcoming for seeding), the West remains open for a few slots. Tuesday's slate may help to provide some clarity.

The two key matchups we'll be monitoring most closely are the Edmonton Oilers-Dallas Stars game and the Nashville Predators-Los Angeles Kings contest. Three of those four are currently in playoff position, with the Stars just one point back of the Vegas Golden Knights for the second wild-card spot; the Knights are poised to take on the Winnipeg Jets tonight, as they hope to pull out of what has been a rough stretch of late.

As we enter the post-deadline 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:Current playoff matchupsToday's gamesExpanded standingsRace for No. 1 pick

Eastern Conference

A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC2 Washington Capitals A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Toronto Maple Leafs M1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. WC1 Boston Bruins M2 New York Rangers vs. M3 Pittsburgh Penguins

Western Conference

C1 Colorado Avalanche vs. WC2 Vegas Golden Knights C2 Minnesota Wild vs. C3 Nashville Predators P1 Calgary Flames vs. WC1 St. Louis Blues P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

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

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m.Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.St. Louis Blues