If you’re staring at your calendar and wondering when do the carolina hurricanes play next, you aren't alone. The NHL schedule in January is always a bit of a chaotic sprint. Right now, the Canes are in the thick of a massive Metropolitan Division push, and honestly, every point feels like a playoff battle already. After a solid showing recently, including a dominant 9-1 win over the Florida Panthers on January 16 and a gritty 4-1 victory against the New Jersey Devils on the 17th, the Raleigh boys are back in action.
When Do the Carolina Hurricanes Play Next? (The Immediate Schedule)
The next time you can catch the Canes on the ice is Monday, January 19, 2026. This isn't your typical late-night puck drop, either. It’s a special afternoon matinee at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Buffalo Sabres
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
- TV/Streaming: TNT, HBO Max
This is a big national TV spot. Since it’s a Monday afternoon game, it’s basically the perfect excuse to duck out of work early or keep a tab open in the background. The Sabres have been surprisingly pesky this year, and following the Hurricanes’ recent back-to-back victories, fatigue might actually be a factor here.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of January 2026
After the Buffalo game, the Canes get a few days to breathe before diving back into a homestand.
On Thursday, January 22, the Chicago Blackhawks come to town. That game starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be carried on ESPN+ and Hulu. It's another home game at Lenovo Center, where the atmosphere has been electric lately.
👉 See also: Why the 2025 NFL Draft Class is a Total Headache for Scouts
Then, they hit the road. On Saturday, January 24, they head north to face the Ottawa Senators at 7:00 p.m. ET. If you're watching from home, you'll likely find that one on FanDuel Sports Network South (formerly Bally Sports).
To wrap up the month:
- January 29 (Thursday): vs. Utah Mammoth at 7:00 p.m. ET (Home)
- January 31 (Saturday): @ Washington Capitals at 5:00 p.m. ET (Away)
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Schedule
People keep asking about the "Olympic Break" or why there's a weird gap in February. It's because the NHL is actually pausing for the 2026 Winter Olympics (and the 4 Nations Face-Off festivities).
The Hurricanes play a heavy slate in late January and very early February, but then things go dark from February 6 through February 22. If you're looking for a game during that window, you won't find one. The team doesn't return to the ice until February 26 when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning.
✨ Don't miss: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
Honestly, this makes these January games against teams like Buffalo and Chicago even more important. You want to go into that long break sitting pretty at the top of the standings, not chasing a wild card spot.
Why the Current Standings Matter for the Next Game
Right now, the Hurricanes are sitting in a fantastic spot. As of mid-January 2026, they are 1st in the Metropolitan Division with about 64 points. They’ve managed 30 wins in 49 games, which is a blistering pace.
But look at the competition. The Tampa Bay Lightning are neck-and-neck with them for the top of the Eastern Conference. Every time the Canes play next, there’s a massive target on their backs.
The goaltending situation has been the story of the season. Frederik Andersen has been a wall, posting a 16-3-1 record with a 2.31 GAA recently. Meanwhile, Brandon Bussi has stepped up as a reliable backup, despite some tough luck in earlier starts. When you’re checking the lineup for the next game, keep an eye on who’s in the crease—it’s been the difference-maker for this squad.
🔗 Read more: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
How to Watch the Next Hurricanes Game Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, finding the game can be a bit of a headache. For the January 19 game against Buffalo, you’re in luck because it’s on TNT. You can stream that through HBO Max or any live TV service like YouTube TV or Sling.
For most other games, like the one against Chicago on the 22nd, you’ll need ESPN+. Since most Hurricanes games are regional, they air on FanDuel Sports Network South. If you live in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, that’s your primary home for Canes hockey.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the team through this stretch, here is what you should do right now:
- Check the Puck Drop: Monday’s game is at 1:30 p.m. ET, which is an outlier. Set an alarm so you don't miss the first period.
- Verify Your Subscription: Make sure your HBO Max or TNT login is working for the Buffalo game, as it won't be on the usual regional channel.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep an eye on Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. They’ve been carrying the offense (Aho has 45 points in 47 games), and any shift in their status changes the betting lines and the game's dynamic.
- Grab Tickets Early: If you're heading to the Lenovo Center for the Chicago or Utah games, tickets have been hovering around $60-$90 for upper-level seats. They tend to spike 24 hours before game time.
The Hurricanes are playing some of the best hockey in the league right now. Whether you're watching at a bar in Glenwood South or streaming from your couch, the late-January push is where the identity of a championship team really starts to take shape.