Preview: Canadiens at Hurricanes RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — The Carolina Hurricanes will look to continue their strong home-ice play when they host the Montreal Canadiens at Lenovo Center on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in a New Year’s Day NHL matchup. The Hurricanes (24-14-0) enter with a superior record and have won three of their last four, including a 3-2 overtime victory over the New York Rangers on Monday. Carolina is 14-5-0 at home this season. The Canadiens (20-18-0) are coming off a 5-4 shootout loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday, a game in which they squandered a third-period lead. Montreal has been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over its past six contests. A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top forwards in contrasting roles. Carolina center Sebastian Aho has been a consistent catalyst, posting 11 points (7 goals, 4 assists) in his last 10 games. His line drives the Hurricanes’ offensive pressure. For Montreal, winger Juraj Slafkovsky is riding a hot streak, having recorded 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in his last 10 outings. He was dominant in the loss to Tampa Bay, notching two goals, an assist and five shots. His physical, high-event style will test Carolina’s structure. Montreal’s recent success has been fueled by its top line, with Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov and defenseman Noah Dobson combining for eight points against the Lightning. Carolina counters with depth, getting timely scoring from players like Jackson Blake and Jordan Martinook. The Hurricanes won the only previous meeting this season, a 4-1 victory in Montreal on Nov. 5. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov made 32 saves in that win. Following this game, Montreal begins a back-to-back set in St. Louis and Dallas. Carolina remains home to face the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.