51.   Messier, however, began the playoffs with a rib injury.

52.   Midway through the third period, the Rangers lost Patrick Flatley, a checking wing, with what the Rangers said was a rib injury.

53.   Quarterback Scott Mitchell is still hurting with a rib injury and his replacement, Don Majkowski, has struggled.

54.   Richie Coughlan withdrew with a rib injury. . . .

55.   Ruelas was scheduled to face James Leija, who had to pull out because of a rib injury.

56.   Scott Daniels was out of the lineup with a rib injury, so he was replaced by Brendan Morrison, a rookie with scoring potential.

57.   Spindler is a free spirit, even when talking about his rib injury.

58.   Storr was injured attempting to stop a first-period breakaway by Avs center Joe Sakic, who was back after missing nearly two weeks with a rib injury.

59.   That was enough for the Jets coach, who needed exactly what Meggett provides after returner Leon Johnson went down for the season with a serious rib injury.

60.   The Buffalo Sabres said All-Star goaltender Dominik Hasek will miss at least two games due to a rib injury.