31.   A second-round playoff series between two teams that tend to play low-scoring, close and basically unattractive games when they face each other.

32.   A team no longer in control of its playoff series.

33.   A team this streaky cannot respond to a playoff series with Utah after three bad losses.

34.   A walkover, this first-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers?

35.   A year ago, in three scintillating games wrapped in the fervor of a playoff series, the Yankees prevailed two games to one.

36.   After the playoff series I felt confident coming into the exhibition season.

37.   After practice Friday, Ernie Grunfeld, the general manager, said the team has a plan and a vision larger than one playoff series.

38.   After sweeping the Houston Astros in a divisional playoff series, the Braves have their sights set on bigger fish, namely the Florida Marlins.

39.   All playoff series will be a best-of-three format next year, instead of the one-game format used this year.

40.   All he can do is try to help the Suns beat the Portland Trail Blazers in a first-round playoff series that opens Saturday.