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Playoff matchups if the postseason started today; Leafs, Stars, Oilers would have three of the toughest round 1 matchups

We're officially in holiday mode as the last of the NHL games get played today before the league takes a break and resumes on December 27th. We're not even at the halfway mark of the season so far, and a lot could change by the end of April, but the break is an excellent opportunity to see where teams currently are in standings. Here's what the playoffs would look like if they started today:

One of the most surprising standings for me while looking at this is the Seattle Kraken, who, if I'm honest, did not have any high hopes for this season. Next in line are the New Jersey Devils. With both of these teams being non-playoff teams just last season, I'm not sure many would have put money on either being in a playoff spot at the midway point of the season.

Looking at the Atlantic, I can't say I'd be too thrilled about another Leafs vs. Lightning round-one matchup again. Having said that, if the Leafs are finally going to break through that glass ceiling, what better way to do it than to oust the team who took them out last season?

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

A midseason review of one of the Leafs' major offseason roster subtraction, Ilya Mikheyev

Former Leaf swings for the fences in wild pre-holiday fight

Leafs prospect showing out in a MASSIVE way in his final season of Junior hockey

POLL
23 DECEMBRE \| 196 ANSWERS Playoff matchups if the postseason started today; Leafs, Stars, Oilers would have three of the toughest round 1 matchups Which conference do you think has the better potential match ups?
Eastern	167	85.2 %
Western	29	14.8 %
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