41.   Neither goalie appeared able to protect a lead.

42.   No running back in the league compiled more fourth-quarter yards than Levens, whose leverage looms largest when the Packers are protecting a lead.

43.   Now it was up to the defense to protect the lead.

44.   Not even Mariners ace reliever Norm Charlton, who failed for the first time this season to protect a lead in the ninth inning.

45.   Often when a team is protecting a lead in soccer, the best defense is a good offense.

46.   Pettitte, who was making his first start in eight days, tried to protect the lead, but the Yankees were also guilty of sloppy execution.

47.   PHOENIX - Fortunately for the Coyotes, they ran into a team no better at protecting a lead than they have been.

48.   Protect that lead.

49.   Protect your lead.

50.   Prevent Defense -- A much-maligned strategy used by teams trying to protect a lead late in the game.