The NHL playoff picture is starting to take shape, but there are also some battles heating up. One of the best battles in the league is taking place in the Central Division.

The Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning are all looking to win the division. Florida hosts Carolina on Saturday in a game that will have plenty of importance.

Both teams entered Tuesday's action with 63 points on the year, just one more than the Lightning. This should create a great game on Saturday and a potential NHL playoff preview. If you’re watching this one, be sure to watch the live betting odds. Go see how live betting works.

This should also be a game that has plenty of scoring as both teams want to play fast and take chances. There are a number of great NHL games this week, but this is undoubtedly the best one.

Here is a quick look at each team set to take the ice on Saturday night.

BETTING THE REMAINDER OF THE 2021 NHL SEASON

Carolina Capitalizing on Power Play

The Hurricanes do a number of things well, but they are especially great on special teams. Carolina is a team scoring 3.14 goals per game, and it doesn't need any help to score goals.

The Hurricanes have converted on the power play more than 28 percent of the time this season. Florida can't commit any unnecessary penalties if it wants to stay in this matchup.

Sebastian Aho is leading the team with 18 goals and 40 points, but he is one of many great offensive weapons. Dougie Hamilton has a team-high 30 assists and sets the tone for Carolina on the power play.

Carolina is also holding opponents to 2.4 goals per game and has been great on the penalty kill. There aren't many holes on the Hurricanes roster.

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Florida Playing Fast

The Panthers play with plenty of pace, and that strategy has been extremely successful. Florida is scoring 3.2 goals per game but giving up 2.7 per night. They have been favorites of many premium NHL picks over at Action Sports Picks.

This Panthers team has really struggled to defend Carolina in previous meetings this season. Florida does have the offense to keep up, but it can't just let the Hurricanes get going.

Jonathan Huberdeau leads the team with 31 assists and 46 total points on the year. This team has plenty of young talent, but the talent is ready to go on a deep playoff run.

Florida has also been a good team on special teams this season, and that will be a key on Saturday. The Panthers must defend home ice, and this game will be a great challenge.

Panthers Too Good at Home

Carolina got the better of Florida just a few weeks ago, but this time, the Panthers will be playing on home ice. Even though the arena won't be packed, there is a comfort when being on home ice.

The Hurricanes are a tough team to slow down, especially when they are on the power play. Florida will need to be disciplined on Saturday, but this team knows how to accomplish that.

The Panthers continue to surprise the NHL, but this team is a serious contender now for the 2021 NHL season. Look for Florida to get some revenge on Carolina this weekend at home.

Bet the Panthers over the Hurricanes in this Central Division showdown.