Inside: The Week In Sports

The NHL
The Flames and the Rangers lurk as dangerous playoff foes for some conference heavyweights ? Bad break for a good Canuck ? Ottawa's Commodore has been no help at all

The NBA
Larry Bird takes full control of the Pacers. Is he up to the challenge of turning them around? ? Exec's Take: The Raptors should ease their logjam at point 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 cements Toyota's status

The NFL
Holding two first-round draft picks, the Cowboys must decide whether to trade up for the big score or stockpile talent ? Don't expect Brian Brohm to last into the second round

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