The 2012–13 Carolina Hurricanes season was the 41st season for the franchise. Its 34th season in the National Hockey League (NHL) since June 22, 1979, and 15th season since the franchise relocated to North Carolina to start the 1997–98 NHL season. The regular season was reduced from its usual 82 games to 48 due to a lockout. The Hurricanes did not qualify for the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs.