31.   Last year at this time, they were trying to secure home ice for a playoff spot.

32.   Neely, for one, was tied up in knots on home ice.

33.   No need to ask how important home ice is in the playoffs.

34.   Of course, it is uncertain whether the new Pepsi Center constitutes a home ice advantage.

35.   Now that COLIN CAMPBELL has home ice and the last change, he can control and even eradicate the -matchups Devils Coach JACQUES LEMAIRE constructed at home.

36.   Playing on home ice and before an expectant crowd seemed to unnerve the Americans, who lacked poise.

37.   San Jose finishes on home ice.

38.   Stojko, skating on his home ice.

39.   Thanks to their recent wake-up call, however, home ice in the first round of the postseason now looks reasonably safe.

40.   That position will give them home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, but with the Western landscape changing almost daily, nothing is certain.