1.   And now their playoff chances are out of their hands.

2.   And until they learn, forget about their playoff chances.

3.   As for their playoff chances, the Knicks remain optimistic, largely because the Eastern Conference is mediocre.

4.   Both the Canucks and Capitals would see their playoff chances take a quantum leap with Oates in the lineup.

5.   A real playoff chance, however.

6.   After jeopardizing their playoff chances with a loss in Buffalo a week ago, this was a gut check.

7.   After jeopardizing their playoff chances with a loss to the Bills in Buffalo, N.Y., a week ago, this was a gut check.

8.   Allowing him to continue starting could have hurt their playoff chances.

9.   Buffalo is bubbly about its playoff chances, New England is sour.

10.   By the time they meet on Monday night in Miami, the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins will know what their playoff chances are.