11.   But with the Kings closing in on their third consecutive playoff appearance, Johnson said winning is the greatest reward.

12.   Clearly, Messier was primed for something special after three years without a playoff appearance in Vancouver.

13.   Dallas and Detroit are two teams that many people expect to make strong bids for playoff appearances.

14.   Doctors are uncertain when Murray, who has the Kings headed to their third consecutive playoff appearance, will return to the club.

15.   Elkington, whose battle with sinus problems affected him all week, got over the hump in playoff appearances.

16.   For Potvin, it was his first playoff appearance in six years.

17.   Former Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers scarcely got more than a cameo appearance in his playoff appearance against his old team.

18.   Friday night, making their first playoff appearance in two years, the Celtics were bludgeoned by Orlando in a loss of Biblical proportions.

19.   Green has coached the Vikings to seven playoff appearances in his eight years as head coach.

20.   Had he stayed in Miami, he would be preparing to rush back for a playoff appearance.