Inside: The Week In Sports

The NHL

October is the most crucial month for Stanley Cup champions--just look at the numbers • Will ice-time king Jay Bouwmeester stay with the Panthers?

College Football

Surprise losses by Pittsburgh and South Florida leave the Big East short on BCS credibility • There is a¬†D in Texas Tech after all

The NFL

Information sharing among teams is common, but how much is too much, and who should talk to whom? • Dr.¬†Z's pick: the Giants over the Cowboys

Fantasy Football

Former fantasy hero Marc Bulger shows his old form • Time to gamble on Leon Washington? • Goodbye, Kellen Winslow; hello, Billy Miller

NASCAR

The Chase is broken. Here's how to fix it • Grand occasion: Michael Waltrip's 1,000th start • Are better times ahead for Kurt Busch?

College Basketball

After 25 years at Arizona, Lute Olson leaves the Wildcats in the lurch • The six active coaches who have made the most trips to the Big Dance

PHOTO

Photograph by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

BENT ON SUCCESS Stars forward James Neal honed his wrist shot before a game against the Islanders last Thursday in Uniondale, N.Y. Straight-shooting Dallas won 5-3.