Hurricanes Enter December Gauntlet with Packed Schedule and Playoff-Level Matchups
As the Carolina Hurricanes flip the calendar to December, the grind doesn’t let up. November may have been a marathon - loaded with games and challenges - but December is shaping up to be a sprint through a minefield.
Four back-to-backs, a schedule stacked with Eastern Conference foes, and a few marquee matchups that could feel like playoff previews. Add in a celebration of the franchise’s greatest moment, and you’ve got a month that’s part test, part tribute, and all intensity.
Let’s break down what lies ahead for the Canes and spotlight the games that could define their month.
Back-to-Backs Galore: December’s Built for Depth
Carolina’s December slate features 14 games - eight at home, six on the road - and it’s loaded with divisional flavor. Eleven of those 14 games come against Metropolitan and Atlantic Division opponents, meaning the standings could shift dramatically by New Year’s Eve.
The back-to-backs? They’re relentless.
There are four sets on the schedule, almost one per weekend. It starts immediately with a home doubleheader against Nashville and San Jose.
Later in the month, there’s a home-and-home against the Flyers, a Florida swing just before Christmas, and a tough travel set to close out the month - a road game in New York against the Rangers, followed by a trip to Pittsburgh the very next night.
Managing fatigue and goaltending will be key. Rotating netminders and leaning on depth players could make the difference between a strong month and a stumble.
A Nod to History: 2006 Stanley Cup Celebration
Before we dive into the games to watch, it’s worth noting a special moment on the calendar. The Hurricanes will celebrate the 2006 Stanley Cup championship with a three-day event in early December. It starts Sunday when the team hosts the Sharks, continues with an Alumni Game at the Lenovo Center on Monday, and wraps up Tuesday when the Canes welcome the Blue Jackets.
It’s more than just nostalgia - it’s a reminder of what this franchise is chasing again this season.
5 (or 6) Hurricanes Games to Circle in December
Let’s take a closer look at the matchups that stand out - whether it’s because of playoff implications, personal stakes, or just good old-fashioned rivalry energy.
T-1. December 19 at Florida / December 23 vs. Florida
We’re bending the rules here, but for good reason. These two games - separated by just four days - bring the Hurricanes face-to-face with the team that ended their playoff run last spring. The Panthers eliminated Carolina in the Eastern Conference Final, and while the rosters look a bit different, the edge between these teams hasn’t dulled.
Florida’s been hit hard by injuries. Matthew Tkachuk, still recovering from offseason surgery, hasn’t suited up yet this season. Aleksander Barkov is sidelined with a knee injury, and while a playoff return hasn’t been ruled out, he’s not expected back anytime soon.
Still, don’t expect a soft matchup. These are two physical, fast, and playoff-tested teams. And with both games coming right before Christmas, the intensity might be enough to get a few players on Santa’s naughty list.
2. December 11 at Washington
This one jumps off the page - and not just because of the date. The Capitals handed the Hurricanes a tough loss in Raleigh back on November 11. Now, one month later, Carolina gets a shot at revenge in D.C.
The Canes have had their postseason struggles on the road in the past, but they flipped that narrative last spring with two road wins in Washington to close out their playoff series. Regular season success in the nation’s capital has been harder to come by, though.
Add in the presence of Logan Thompson between the pipes - who’s very much in the Vezina conversation - and this shapes up to be a heavyweight tilt.
3. December 20 at Tampa Bay
Circle this one in red.
The Hurricanes and Lightning enter December tied atop their respective divisions with 34 points. It’s their first meeting of the season, and it comes with both teams playing top-tier hockey. Tampa Bay closed November on a seven-game win streak and looks every bit like the team that’s hoisted the Cup twice in recent years.
This game also lands on the second night of a back-to-back for Carolina, which could complicate things - especially if Jaccob Slavin isn’t back in the lineup. His status remains unclear, but if he’s healthy, this could be a true “best-on-best” showdown.
Either way, this one has playoff energy written all over it.
4. December 7 vs. San Jose
The Sharks have been one of the early season surprises, led by rookie phenom Macklin Celebrini. Through two months, he’s been among the league’s most dangerous scorers, and while San Jose has cooled off a bit, they’re still hanging around the playoff picture.
Carolina saw them earlier in the season and handled them with authority - a 5-1 win that featured four unanswered goals and a memorable debut for Brandon Bussi, who earned his first NHL win.
This time around, the Sharks will be looking for payback. And with Celebrini’s offensive talent, they’re never out of a game.
5. December 30 at Pittsburgh
Closing out 2025 with a trip to Pittsburgh brings plenty of intrigue. The Penguins are in a Wild Card spot to start the month, and with Evgeni Malkin playing what’s expected to be his final season in black and gold, there’s a sense of urgency in the Steel City.
Sidney Crosby, meanwhile, is turning back the clock. He’s nearing the 20-goal mark already and playing with the same fire we saw in his prime.
This will be the Hurricanes’ first look at the Penguins this season, and with both teams in the thick of the playoff race, it could be a tone-setter heading into the new year.
Final Thoughts
December won’t be the busiest month on the calendar in terms of volume, but it might be the most telling. With a schedule packed with divisional opponents, revenge matchups, and playoff-caliber battles, the Hurricanes have a chance to make a serious statement.
The back-to-backs will test their stamina. The marquee games will test their mettle.
And the celebration of 2006? That’s a reminder of the ultimate goal.
Buckle up - December is going to be a wild ride in Raleigh.