1.   Bourque had wanted to go to a contender when it became clear the Bruins were going to miss the playoffs last spring and the Bruins accommodated him.

2.   But can the Ducks defend their own goal and return to the Stanley Cup playoffs next spring?

3.   But the Devils approached these two games the way they did in eliminating the Flyers in the playoffs last spring.

4.   Dallas failed to make the playoffs last spring for the second time in four seasons.

5.   Forsberg missed the regular season with ankle surgeries and missed part of the playoffs last spring after his spleen was removed.

6.   He carried the Rangers in the playoffs last spring.

7.   Iafrate had left knee surgery after the playoffs last spring.

8.   In the playoffs this spring, the large crowds have created a different problem.

9.   In the first round of the playoffs last spring, the Lakers under Kurt Rambis were better than the Rockets were when saddled with Scottie Pippen.

10.   It seems to come under review at the eve of the NBA playoffs every spring.