RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes won't have much time to enjoy the start of the 2008-09 regular season.

The NHL released the 82-game schedule for its teams Thursday, giving Carolina a tough opening month that includes a season-long six-game road swing. It also includes games against Stanley Cup champion Detroit and finalist Pittsburgh.

The Red Wings play in Raleigh on Oct. 13, Carolina's only other home game in the month after opening against Florida three days earlier.

Carolina returns from the road swing against Edmonton on Nov. 1 in a rematch of the 2006 Cup series won by the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes close the season at New Jersey on April 11, but they finish with eight of their final 11 games at home.