The first round of the 2001 Stanley Cup Playoffs began on Wednesday. Here is what you had to say about the Eastern Conference matchups:

Devils vs. Hurricanes
Being a Devils fan, I know what it's like to have first-round heartache. Before last year it seemed that the Devils could only succeed if they weren't a top seed. This year should not be approached any differently by the Devils. If they stay focused, I can't see Carolina winning a game. Let's just hope they don't overlook them.

Gene Siudut
Tampa, Fla.

I believe that Carolina will win in six games. Sure the Devils are the defending champs, but having read some articles, I think they are too prepared for the 'Canes. The pressure is all on NJ and they have choked as the top seed in the past. The Stanley Cup is the hardest modern trophy to win back-to-back. I see the upset looming on the horizon!!

Chip Welch
Greensboro, N.C.

New Jersey Devils will beat Carolina Hurricanes in 5 games. The Devils have an edge in every aspect of the game. Even if the Devils wanted to lose, I don't think they could. There is so much firepower on the Devils team that Carolina cannot possibly match. And after that, the Devils have an edge on defense with Scott Stevens leading the way, Scott Niedermayer following him and scoring goals on the PP. And last, but not least, there is Martin Brodeur, who will use this round as a warmup.

Yuri
Voorhes, N.J.

My team, the Hurricanes, will win at least their first-round series against the Devils. Even though the Devils are one of the best teams in the NHL, the Hurricanes are a very underrated team. They have the power to beat the Devils. Question is, will they have it for this series? I think so.

Trevor Lucia
Raleigh, N.C.

Senators vs. Maple Leafs
Even though Toronto was beaten 5 times this season by Ottawa, I wouldn't be surprised if this turned into an upset. Curtis Joseph has to make some big saves early or he will get out of sync. Three big suprises for Toronto could be Darcy Tucker, Sergei Berezin, and Gary Roberts. Leafs in 6

Levi Helgren
Norwalk, Wis.

I believe that Toronto will pull the upset on Ottawa in 6 games. Curtis Joseph and Toronto's experience from a year ago are the keys to success for the Maple Leafs.

Steve Lurie
Berkeley, Calif.

Leafs over Ottawa in 6. You think Ottawa is going to be able to skate like they did in the regular season? No way. This is playoff hockey, a whole new "puck"game.

Alan
London, Ontario

The Sensational Sens are going to beat the Lowly Leafs (Garden Compost) in 5 games. We have it all this season, including the amazing talent of Alexei Yashin and the superior goaltending of Patrick Lalime. In addition, the whole team is prepared for a showdown against the Leafs (and everyone after them) to raise the Stanley Cup and bring it home to Ottawa. GO SENS GO!!

Rahim
Ottawa, Ontario

Capitals vs. Penguins
I look at this matchup and I just think the Pens offense is too tough for the Caps to stop. Mario, Jagr, Kovalev, Lang, and Straka and you could keep on listing names. Now with our new storybook goalie and the left wing lock, the Pens can keep opponents off the board. I got the Pens winning in 6, but it could be less.

Matt Shento
Canonsburg, Pa.

Sure Pittsburgh has Mario back this year, but this is not the same team that beat the Caps last year, plus Lemieux. Ron Tugnutt played exceptionally for the Pens last April and he will be missed in Pittsburgh. Johan Hedberg will have a tough time outplaying Olie Kolzig in net. In addition, few lines have done a better job defensively against Lemieux this year than Halpern, Konowalchuk & Dahlen. Throw in Peter Bondra at the top of his game and the Caps' will win in 7.

Rob Boughan
Damascus, Md.

I definitely think the Pens are going to beat the Caps. I don't think it would be foolish to say we could beat them in 4 games either. With all the smack that Ron Wilson talked last year and the way the Penguins handled that, beating them in five, the Capitals are cursed against us. Let me also remind you that we have a new addition to our team this year, Mario Lemieux. That's why we will win in 4.

Chris Falbo
Pittsburgh, Pa.

Sabres vs. Flyers
The experience of Dominik Hasek in goal will limit the Flyers scoring. Also the additions of Steve Heinze and Donald Audette give Lindy Ruff a repertoire of forwards to work with and try to exploit the inexperienced Roman Cechmanek. Sabres win in 6 close games.

James Fleissnery
Boulder, Colo.

The Flyers possess too much offensive firepower with the return of John LeClair and Simon Gagne. Plus, their physical style of play and size give them an advantage.

Jim McCarthy
Sinking Spring, Pa.

I think Buffalo will win in 6. It struggled against Philadelphia in the regular season and wants to revenge last year's embarrassing loss to the Flyers. The loss of Keith Primeau in the first round hurts the Flyers and if Buffalo can figure out how to beat Philly's goaltending, it has a good shot of winning the series. I also think this is the toughest match for Buffalo and if it wins this series, it should be able to make it to the Stanley Cup out of the East.

Keith
Attica, N.Y.