The Carolina Hurricanes begin their 82-game 2011-12 regular-season campaign on Friday at the RBC Center against the Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m., FOX Sports Carolinas HD, Hurricanes Radio Network). Following Friday’s game, Carolina will travel to Washington to wrap up its first of 16 back-to-back sets this season.

The Capitals host the Hurricanes on Saturday at the Verizon Center for Washington’s home and season opener. Carolina will play six of its first eight games on the road in 2011-12. The Hurricanes return to the RBC Center to host the 2011 Stanley Cup champions, the Boston Bruins, on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

FOX Sports Carolinas opens its coverage of the Hurricanes’ 2011-12 regular season with broadcasts of the team’s first two games – against Tampa Bay on Friday and at Washington on Saturday. As always, John Forslund will have the play-by-play call and former professional goaltender Tripp Tracy will provide color analysis. Bob Harwood join’s the team’s FOX Sports Carolinas broadcasts this season as host of the Hurricanes Live pregame show, and reporting from rinkside during the game.

Fans can tune into the Hurricanes Radio Network’s flagship station, 99.9 FM The Fan as Hall of Fame broadcaster Chuck Kaiton calls every Canes game. Capitol Broadcasting’s Mike Maniscalco hosts Stormfront and Aftermath surrounding all broadcasts.