1.   A team about to head for the playoff exit.

2.   After each off their playoff exits the last few years, they have pulled off a major off-season coup.

3.   But another quick playoff exit, and this team could be broken up.

4.   But another first-round playoff exit would not be progress.

5.   But even with Johnson, there was another first-round playoff exit.

6.   But for the second consecutive season, the Rockets had a first-round playoff exit.

7.   Even though the Devils did not look convincing, the victory at Continental Arena put them on the right track to shed their recent history of early playoff exits.

8.   For Miami, a huge boost in psyche is needed after so many quick playoff exits in recent years preceded by lackluster December play.

9.   He understands changes are on the way following another first-round playoff exit.

10.   His stellar seasons in St. Louis are overshadowed by early playoff exits.