11.   A team that does not finish first would be disappointed, but delighted to reach the playoffs as the second-place team with the best record.

12.   A year ago, after the Ducks reached the playoffs for the only time in their five-year history, Coach Ron Wilson was fired with little explanation.

13.   After reaching the playoffs seven consecutive years and never advancing beyond the second round, the Oilers had to take several steps back for a chance to advance further.

14.   After reaching the playoffs the past seven years, the Oilers have bottomed out.

15.   All four teams are expected to reach the playoffs again this season, leaving room for only four other teams, including just one in the American League.

16.   Afterward, the Dodgers will finish their regular season with a nine-game road trip that will undoubtedly determine whether they reach the playoffs or go home.

17.   All reached the playoffs, and seven advanced to the Super Bowl.

18.   But by the end of the season, Jerry Glanville, the coach, reaching the playoffs with Chris Miller, decided he would never play Favre.

19.   But privately, many of the players acknowledge the season has gone awry and the thought of reaching the playoffs is pure fantasy.

20.   But since the Rangers won their first division championship and reached the playoffs for the first time, everything has been special.