Inside: The Week In Sports

The NHL
The Flames and the Rangers lurk as dangerous playoff foes for some conferenceheavyweights • Bad break for a good Canuck • Ottawa's Commodore has been nohelp at all

The NBA
Larry Bird takes full control of the Pacers. Is he up to the challenge ofturning them around? • Exec's Take: The Raptors should ease their logjam atpoint guard by trading T.J. Ford

NASCAR
A focus on winning the title in 2007 left Jimmie Johnson underprepared for '08,but the champ is getting up to speed • Hamlin's Martinsville win cementsToyota's status

The NFL
Holding two first-round draft picks, the Cowboys must decide whether to tradeup for the big score or stockpile talent • Don't expect Brian Brohm to lastinto the second round

DISC JOCKEYING
The Hurricanes' Sergei Samsonov (14) and Ryan Bayda (18) put the pinch onThrashers defenseman Garnet Exelby, but neither Carolina player could push thepuck past goalie Johan Hedberg last Friday in Raleigh, N.C. No matter: Carolinastill won 7--1.

PHOTO

Photograph by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI/Getty Images