Hurricanes close practices as Stanley Cup defense begins

Context: The Canes have sold out three straight seasons at Lenovo Center, so watching them play for free at the more intimate practice facility Lane Arena was always a treat for die-hard fans.

What they're saying: It was a "team security decision," Hurricanes spokesperson Madison White said in an email.

State of play: Going into the 2026-27 NHL season, sportsbooks again give Carolina some of the best odds to win it all. The Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche are also in the mix, according to sports betting sites.

• Back-to-back Stanley Cups are tough to pull off — but not unheard of. Three teams have completed the feat in the past decade, per NHL records.
• The Canes made the NHL playoffs all eight seasons Rod Brind'Amour has been head coach.

Zoom in: There are two preseason games in North Carolina, with tickets starting around $35.

• In Raleigh: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers, 7pm Tuesday, Sept. 22.
• In Greensboro: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators, 7pm Thursday, Sept. 22.

What's next: The season opener against the Florida Panthers is set for 5pm Tuesday, Sept. 29. Tickets start at $169, but most are reselling well above $200.

• The championship banner will be raised in Lenovo Center that night.