With a busy schedule despite a short summer, the Canes started the year with purpose

The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes rebounded from an 0-2 start to open their season 11-2-2 through their first 15 games. After opening with a 1-0 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers and a defeat to the Washington Capitals, Carolina ignited a seven-game winning streak. During that stretch, the team outscored opponents 32-15 while converting on 36 percent of power-play chances.

Despite injuries sidelining Jordan Staal and Taylor Hall, Carolina navigated a five-game road trip and closed October with consecutive home wins against Boston and Columbus. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov established a franchise record by winning his ninth straight start in a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets.