11.   The Knicks have a difficult trip starting Thursday, when they embark on a six-game Western road swing, their longest trip of the season.

12.   The Mavericks completed their two-game Eastern Conference road swing without their most consistent inside presence of late.

13.   The Mariners return to Safeco Field Fridan night for a series against Los Angeles having won four of seven on the road swing through Texas and Anaheim.

14.   The Rangers will play in Edmonton on Wednesday night, their fourth game on this six-game road swing.

15.   The Silverbacks begin a five-game road swing in Richmond on Friday.

16.   The road swing begins Sunday at Anaheim against a pesky Mighty Ducks team that has more wins than the Stars.

17.   The Sharks started this road swing with two impressive victories.

18.   Western Conference players love to unwind in Atlanta after long Eastern road swings, which only helps the Hawks.

19.   When the Bruins departed on their annual October road swing, they hoped to turn it into a break-even proposition, at worst.

20.   When the Bruins departed on L their annual October road swing, they hoped to turn it into a break- even proposition, at worst.