The 2011–12 Carolina Hurricanes season was the 40th season for the franchise, 33rd in the National Hockey League dating back to June 22, 1979, and 15th season since the franchise relocated to North Carolina to start the 1997–98 NHL season. The Hurricanes failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third straight year. The last time the team made the trip to the post-season was in the 2008–09 NHL season.