As we find ourselves in the midst of the NHL season, it's intriguing to assess the current standings.

As the NHL hits the All-Star milestone, teams are eyeing their forthcoming bye weeks. With approximately 60% of the regular season completed, the league is taking on a more definitive shape.

While all teams still maintain a mathematical possibility of making it to the playoffs, a handful would cause quite the upset if they managed to secure the Stanley Cup. betting sites The NHL is no stranger to surprises; one only needs to recall the 2018-19 season when the St. Louis Blues clinched the trophy despite languishing at the bottom in January.

We'll explore the developments that unfolded in the first half of the season and predict potential outcomes for the remaining half.

This NHL season has been exceptionally competitive, particularly in the Atlantic where five teams have surpassed the 58-point threshold. With no other division having more than three teams at this level, whoever emerges as the Atlantic champion will be a formidable contender in the playoffs.

Boston Bruins – 31-9-9 – 71 points

Despite not matching last year’s record-setting 135 points as the President’s Trophy winners, they remain the highest points scorers in the East. With only four home losses in regulation, led by David Pastrnak’s 72 points, they remain the Eastern team to beat.

Florida Panthers – 31-14-4 – 66 points

Sam Reinhart has become an absolute star for the Panthers, netting 37 goals, including 20 on power plays, setting a new personal best. Having overcome a sluggish start, they went 13-2-2 in their last 17 before the break. With one of the league’s best defences allowing the fourth fewest goals, they’re set up well for the second half.

Tampa Bay Lightning – 27-18-5 – 59 points

The Lightning had a slow start, missing Andrei Vasilevskiy for the first 20 games, and required some time to regain momentum. Nikita Kucherov topped the league with 85 points as they secured seven wins in their last eight matches before the break. The Lightning continue to be a powerhouse in the league.

Toronto Maple Leafs – 25-14-8 – 58 points

Auston Matthews has been netting goals effortlessly, leading the league with 40. Nonetheless, the Leafs haven’t had the strongest first half, positioned only as a wildcard due to some challenging injuries and goaltending setbacks. Their current form is crucial to improving their standings.

Detroit Red Wings – 26-18-6 – 58 points

The Red Wings have made notable strides, currently holding a playoff spot. They’ve been offensive powerhouses with Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat shining, although their defence could be a concern in the second half.

Buffalo Sabres – 22-23-4 – 48 points

For the Sabres, it's been a season of decline, struggling with a sub-.500 record. Although most of their early post-All-Star games are at home, being 10 points out of a playoff spot poses a major challenge.

Montreal Canadiens – 20-21-8 – 48 points

In Montreal, the struggles continue with them ranking 28th in scoring and 29th in defence among 32 teams. Bright moments are sparse, as their young talent occasionally shows promise but not enough to ignite a strong campaign.

Ottawa Senators – 20-25-2 – 42 points

The Senators have a recurring narrative of finishing strong but faltering early. Recent performance points to a familiar pattern.

Starting strong with a 15-3-1 run, they seemed destined to dominate the Metropolitan but have since faltered, hovering just above .500. Artemi Panarin is having an incredible season with 66 points, but their Stanley Cup aspirations are in jeopardy without a turnaround.

New York Rangers – 30-16-3 – 63 points

Initially, their defence was shaky, but they've rectified it recently, allowing two or fewer goals in 14 of their last 21 games. With team efforts and Sebastian Aho shining, they could make a deep postseason run.

Carolina Hurricanes – 28-15-5 – 61 points

The Flyers have improved this season, although a troubling streak before the All-Star Game suggests they need revitalization. While a Stanley Cup seems unlikely, their progression catches the eye.

Philadelphia Flyers – 25-19-6 – 56 points

Ilya Sorokin is the league's busiest goalie, facing 1203 shots and making 1094 saves. Though their offence and defence need work, being over .500 is an achievement. A coaching switch doesn’t seem the answer just yet.

New York Islanders – 20-17-12 – 52 points

Games in hand bring hope to Penguins fans, but inconsistency looms over their seasoned roster. Sidney Crosby's brilliance and Tristan Jarry's shutouts stand out, but further consistency is required.

Pittsburgh Penguins – 22-17-7 – 51 points

Disappointingly underperforming this season compared to last year's 112 points, injuries have taken their toll, weakening their campaign, making it a long road back to playoff contention.

New Jersey Devils – 24-20-3 – 51 points

Alex Ovechkin's performance has dipped in the absence of Nicklas Backstrom, with limited impact, and the Capitals struggle to assert themselves in the league.

Washington Capitals – 22-18-7 – 51 points

A tough season persists for the Blue Jackets, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with limited hope for the remainder of the season.

Columbus Blue Jackets – 16-24-10 – 42 points

In the Central Division, three standout teams are gradually distancing themselves from the rest, posing a challenge for others to catch up.

Nathan MacKinnon is potent this season, accumulating 84 points. Alexandar Georgiev, a backbone in goal, leads with 41 starts and 26 wins. Their superior offence is challenged by mid-tier defence, but their home record is exemplary.

Colorado Avalanche – 32-14-3 – 67 points

Like the Avalanche, this team scores aplenty but must tighten their defence. Though Jason Robertson is on pace with 50 points, they’ll need more reliable goaltending to make a championship run.

Dallas Stars – 30-13-6 – 66 points

Defensively stellar, they allow the least goals yet falter offensively, with injuries to key players affecting performance. An extended scoring drought could hinder their future.

Winnipeg Jets – 30-12-5 – 65 points

The Blues are challenged by offence with low scoring, yet maintain a respectable standing. Exceptional performances from players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou offer hope but much more is needed to become a Stanley Cup threat.

St Louis Blues – 26-21-2 – 54 points

A turbulent season of sporadic progress, they’ve underperformed at home and need to enhance their performance if they hope to make the playoffs.

Nashville Predators – 26-23-2 – 54 points

Playing at the intimate Mullett Arena, the Coyotes have found some home success but must elevate their travel game for any playoff aspirations. They depend heavily on Clayton Keller with 45 points, but support is sparse.

Arizona Coyotes – 23-22-3 – 49 points

A season of fluctuating fortunes for this team, the introduction of John Hynes prompted a brief revival but subsequent performances highlight the need for improved netminding.

Minnesota Wild – 21-23-5 – 47 points

Connor Bedard brought excitement, but a broken jaw disrupted any momentum amid an already challenging season, making future prospects dubious.

Chicago Blackhawks – 14-34-2 – 30 points

The Pacific Division exhibits the most intriguing twists, with thrilling streaks heating up the competition.

Surprising everyone, the Canucks lead the Western Conference. Quinn Hughes, with 62 points, is pivotal, supported by J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson each surpassing 60 points, making them a formidable trio.

Vancouver Canucks – 33-11-5 – 71 points

The reigning Stanley Cup champions enjoyed a remarkable start but faced challenges when Adin Hill was sidelined. With him back in peak form, they’re positioned for a great postseason.

Vegas Golden Knights – 29-15-6 – 64 points

The All-Star break is a momentum killer for the Oilers, who come off a stunning winning streak. A pivotal factor is Connor McDavid’s 67 points, as the team builds on Coach Knoblauch’s winning tactics. McDavid's personal milestones continue to impress as he seeks his first ring.

Edmonton Oilers – 29-15-1 – 59 points

As we reach the midpoint of the NHL season, let's delve into where teams stand.

Los Angeles Kings – 23-15-10 – 56 points

The NHL season has progressed to the All-Star Game, offering us the chance to evaluate all 32 teams and their aspirations of clinching the 2024 Stanley Cup.

Seattle Kraken – 21-19-10 – 52 points

Photo Credit: Chris Tanouye-Freestyle Photography-Getty Images

Calgary Flames – 22-22-5 – 49 points

With the NHL season reaching the All-Star Game and bye weeks on the horizon, we've covered about 60% of the regular season. The contours of the competition are becoming more defined.

Anaheim Ducks – 18-30-2 – 38 points

Although every team still has a mathematical chance to make the playoffs, some would pull off a major upset if they managed to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL is known for its unpredictability, like when the St. Louis Blues took home the trophy in the 2018-19 season after languishing at the bottom in January.

San Jose Sharks – 14-32-5 – 33 points

Let's reflect on the first half of the season and ponder what may unfold in the second half.

This season in the NHL has seen fierce competition, with five teams each surpassing 58 points. The Atlantic Division leads the charge with this should be an intense playoff pursuit.