41.   Entering this season, the Kings had missed the playoffs five of the past six years, San Jose four of the past six.

42.   Even if the Stars win their final three games, it might not be enough to avoid missing the playoffs.

43.   Even miss the playoffs?

44.   Even though his team will miss the playoffs by the slightest of margins, Billick intends to keep the heat turned up for the Patriots.

45.   Even though the Astros have seen their lead slip away in the NL Central, they appear in little danger of missing the playoffs.

46.   Even though the Kings missed the playoffs, refunds were weeks late.

47.   Fearing the Suns might miss the playoffs in a transition year, he wanted Johnson to help bridge the gap.

48.   Five of the past eight AL Cy Young Award winners came from teams that missed the playoffs.

49.   For Blake, who has watched the team miss the playoffs the past four seasons, the victory punctuated what he believes is a turning point this season.

50.   For reasons that remain unknown, Earley was upset with the winning team and sentenced it to a fate far worse than just missing the playoffs.