5 Can't-Miss Canes Games During The 2026-27 Season

RALEIGH, N.C. - An 84-game regular season schedule? Check.

Theme nights and promotions announced? Check.

Tickets on sale? Check.

Here are some dates you won't want to miss as the team begins its defense of the Stanley Cup.

Tuesday, September 29 vs. Florida

5 p.m. ET | Lenovo Center | Opening Night presented by Lenovo | ESPN | Buy Tickets

Opening Night is always a celebration. This year, even more so as the organization lifts its Stanley Cup banner to the rafters before they drop the puck on the new season.

That moment alone takes game number one to a new level, but factor in that they're taking on a reloaded Florida Panthers squad who served as Carolina's boogeyman in previous playoff runs, and there are almost certain to be fireworks.

Set to be the 169th consecutive sell-out at Lenovo Center, this is one you want to be dialed in on from start to finish, whether you're in attendance or locked in at home.

Thursday, November 12 & Saturday, November 14 vs. Seattle

12 p.m. ET & 1 p.m. ET | Veikkaus Arena | NHL Global Series | Buy Tickets

For the first time since 2010, the Canes are headed across the pond. Selected to play in the NHL's Global Series, the team will take on the Seattle Kraken for a set of games in Sebastian Aho's home country.

Undoubtedly a special moment for him, he'll serve as the team's unofficial tour guide, while it also puts the defending Stanley Cup Champions on the national stage once more.

Sunday, January 17 vs. Vegas

6 p.m. ET | Lenovo Center | ALS Awareness Night | Buy Tickets

The first rematch of the last two teams standing in 2026 will take place on Dec. 21 in Vegas, but the two will dance again under a month later in Raleigh.

What was considered perhaps the best Stanley Cup Final of all time is sure to provide entertainment as the two sides go head-to-head for the final time during the regular season.

Thursday, January 28 vs. NY Islanders

6:30 p.m. ET | Lenovo Center | Whalers Night | TNT | Buy Tickets

Especially since it falls during the "Groundhog Day" portion of the schedule, Whalers Night is always fun.

Historically, it's been a great night for the team too, going 6-0-1 in their official seven Whalers Nights. Who could forget last year's stunning comeback against Utah when the team went from trailing 4-2 with two minutes left to picking up the win?

The contest is also scheduled to be a nationally televised affair, airing on TNT.