41.   They have those smaller NHL rinks to rush back to, playoff positions to pursue, big paychecks to earn.

42.   Twelve games and two playoff positions still available.

43.   With precision, hustle and heart they put a team fighting desperately for playoff position in jeopardy.

44.   Pittsburgh was locked into the sixth playoff position in the East and decided not to dress Lemieux and Jagr, the NHL scoring leader.

45.   After losing six of seven, the Pistons have won three in a row to solidify their playoff position.

46.   He returned last week, earlier than expected, but has played sparingly and has not started even as the Wizards fight to get into playoff position.

47.   However, the Shock still lead Washington by one-half game for the fourth and last Eastern Conference playoff position.

48.   In Edmonton, Alberta, Phoenix scored three power-play and two shorthanded goals to solidify its playoff position with a victory over Edmonton.

49.   Orlando won its third straight to hold onto the eighth playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

50.   Rest is the best cure for the pain, but with Indiana battling for playoff position, this is not the time Smits would like to be out.