Discussion of the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals between the #1 seed in the west, Colorado Avalanche and the #1 seed in the east, New Jersey Devils. New Jersey was the defending Stanley Cup Champions from 2000 and Colorado was the President Trophy winner as the team with the best record in the regular season. A physical, defensive minded New Jersey team tried to shut down Joe Sakic and a high powered Colorado offense, with 22 year veteran Ray Bourque in search of his first cup in his final season.