Last year, the Carolina Hurricanes were forced by circumstances ranging from the World Cup of Hockey to the North Carolina State Fair to begin their season with a six-game road trip, giving them the latest home opener of any team in the NHL. There will be no such concerns this season.
The Canes announced Wednesday that they will open their 2017-18 home schedule at PNC Arena on Saturday, October 7 with a matchup against the Minnesota Wild. With the State Fair beginning this year on October 12, the Canes will likely be able to play at least two games in Raleigh before hitting the road.