11.   Belfour won nine straight games following Dallas playoff defeats until New Jersey won consecutive contests at Reunion Arena to take a commanding series lead.

12.   But a first-round playoff defeat would likely revive the criticism showered upon Shula through much of the season.

13.   In successive games, the Heat have endured their two most lopsided losses of the season and their two most lopsided home playoff defeats.

14.   Ireland has missed out on the last three major international tournaments through playoff defeats.

15.   The Suns suffered their first-ever opening round playoff defeat by losing the final two games of the series, game four in over-time.

16.   Jordan led the Bulls to the next three NBA titles, retired, returned and tasted playoff defeat last year at the hands of Orlando.

17.   Seattle shook off a chokers tag this year after suffering first-round playoff defeats the past two years.

18.   The claims disrupted Dallas players during their week of preparations before an American football quarter-final playoff defeat.

19.   The Kings suffered their first playoff road defeat this year and were outscored in each of the final three quarters.