51.   But he lasted eight games before blowing out a knee, ending his season and the list of easy Mariners options.

52.   But he stuck around long enough to play in five games before suffering another injury that put him out for the season.

53.   But he was aware of the numerous walks he allowed in the two games before his last start.

54.   But it started because of the game before that, with Romania.

55.   But the Colonials have been in this type of game before.

56.   But the Devils now have just three goals in their last two games after scoring five or more in five straight games before the loss to Calgary.

57.   But the president had put that card into his own game long before the press and most other folks realized it was in his hand.

58.   But they are playing a cat-and-mouse game before deciding when to talk, how and with whom.

59.   But the second-year Thrashers had six victories in eight games before losing to the Blues last Friday.

60.   But with nine games before the playoffs, the Rockets have things to do.