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.