Points % is a true measure of how teams measure up.
It doesn't matter, as only final standings matter. Current points also don't matter either for the same reason.
For purposes of exactly where teams stand right now, the Panthers are in 1st place.
This is why points % was used in the Covid season. It's a true measure of how teams rank relative to each other.
The Leafs are higher in the "standings" right now, but the Panthers have a better "record".
If teams are what their record says they are, which is the case as it's the only objective measuring stick, then currently the Panthers are slightly better than the Leafs.
Another note, in 2022, when the Bills Bengals game was cancelled because of the player's medical emergency, final standings were done by winning percentage, not wins. This is how standings are sorted when there is an uneven # of games.
Most people would use each teams' record to determine their rankings. Then again, not everybody understands statistics. The 1/3 pound burger failed in the states because many people thought a 1/4 pounder was bigger.
I actually think the 3rd place Lightning will win the division, as they are the hottest team of the 3 right now, and Kucherov seems to be scoring at an insane rate.