WASHINGTON - The wait is over.

The Carolina Hurricanes are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and they square off with the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of their First Round series on Thursday.

Petr Mrazek, who posted a 12-3-0 record, a 1.67 goals-against average, a .943 save percentage and three shutouts in his last 15 starts of the season, will get the nod in net to begin the series.

GAME 1 PREVIEW

Here is the projected lineup for the Hurricanes based on lines used in practice this week.