1.   Dave Libbey, another top-flight ref, has been conspicuously absent since his return from an early season injury.

2.   Displaced Gary Connolly from centre before suffering a serious injury last season.

3.   The team has been dogged by injury all season.

4.   An injury this season could devastate a lineup that has little room for error.

5.   And while Payton has been nursing some early season injuries, the tandem appears motivated.

6.   Bothered by a rib-cage injury last season, Baerga fell into the habit of swinging only with his upper body.

7.   -- Like goaltender Stephane Fiset, who overcame two major injuries this season to give perhaps his finest performance against the Ducks.

8.   A four-time world champion, Joyner-Kersee has battled hamstring injuries all season.

9.   After all their injuries last season, even their backups are experienced.

10.   Allen Iverson is a question mark, and John Stockton, because of injuries this season is not in the absolute top rank.