The Carolina Hurricanes enter the 2016/2017 season with a much improved team. They've brought in netminder Scott Darling from Chicago (18-10 with a 2.38 GAA for Blackhawks last year) and there's a sense of optimism in Raleigh.

"What moves we made were pretty exciting," Carolina center Jeff Skinner said. "As a player on this team, it's exciting. They put us in a good spot. Everyone has let us know that. ... It seems like people are starting to notice a little bit. It's better than people not talking." I think they'll be fired up here in their season opener against the Wild.

The Minnesota came out flat at Detroit on Thursday and took a 4-2 loss while giving up two power play goals. Losing to a Red Wings team in rebuilding mode does not bode well, and this should be another tough matchup.

Note that these two teams split two meetings last season, both winning on home ice. The home team is 14-5-1 in the last 20 meetings.

My NHL Game of the Week is on Carolina Hurricanes.