If the Southeast Division winner Hurricanes have any chance of upending the two-time defending Eastern Conference champion Devils, they'll have to protect their home ice advantage and be much better in the five-on-five game. During the season, at even strength, the Hurricanes scored as many goals as they allowed. The Devils, meanwhile, were an impressive plus-23 in even-strength play.

Because the Hurricanes likely won't make up that kind of difference with their special teams, they'll have no choice but to play a smarter two-way game.

Their top two centers -- Ron Francis and Rod Brind'Amour -- are veterans with great two-way sense. So, the improvement must come from their wingers. Top line wings Jeff O'Neill (who also can play the middle) and Sami Kapanen must make smart decisions in all three zones. That means being physical when possible, making good line changes and ensuring there's a least one forward high in the offensive zone to help prevent odd-man rushes against goalie Arturs Irbe.

That also goes for vets Bates Battaglia and Martin Gelinas as well as pups Erik Cole and Josef Vasicek, who, by the way, impressed many of Devils with his play in their first-round encounter with the 'Canes last season. (The Devs won that series, 4-2, after taking a 3-0 series lead.)

The 'Canes defense, which will likely miss injured vet Glen Wesley for the early part of the series, also must make smart decisions at even strength. That means making only smart pinches at the offensive blue line and picking their spots when joining the attack from the rear.

David Tanabe, just 21, has the size and skill to be positive factor against the Devils. But, the question is this: Is Tanabe ready to for such a task? If he isn't, the Devils deep group of forwards will take advantage of his miscues.

Carolina coach Paul Maurice will play the matchup chess game with Devils bench jockey Kevin Constantine. Maurice will want to keep Francis and his top line away from nasty Devs pivot Bobby Holik. He'll have every opportunity to do just that in Games 1 and 2 in Raleigh. It will be more difficult when Constantine gets the last change in New Jersey.

Last season, when the Hurricanes' played with more emotion, they gave the Devils a lot more trouble. Unfortunately, by the time they figured that out, it was too late. This time, they know exactly what they have to do. But, can they do it?

E.J. Hradek writes hockey for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at ej.hradek@espnmag.com.