A closer look at the Tampa Bay Lightning and its captain, veteran Dave Andreychuk. Special section • Main Lightning page • Hockey message board

Bucs
Bucs find little use for Alstott
Focus on Michael Pittman has kept Pro Bowl fullback on sideline.

Brooks' dominance nets him NFC honor
TAMPA -- The fact that no one on the team has more touchdowns than linebacker Derrick Brooks is surprising. What isn't is that the eighth-year linebacker and five-time Pro Bowl player again is being recognized for his outstanding play.

Rays
Hatcher up first; two added to list
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Rays kicked off their search for a new manager Wednesday amid several developments.

College football
Not all changes good for Gators
The new offense isn't working as well as Steve Spurrier's, but players and coaches are certain it will.

State practice reports
A pair of 'Noles still hurting

Coker not buying all the 'best ever' hype
CORAL GABLES -- The debate has started: Are the top-ranked Hurricanes better than last season? Maybe the best ever?

Miami: Tight End Tech
The position has died off on many teams, but the 'Canes teach ends to punish opponents.

Baseball
Quick end to suspense
GIANTS 9, CARDINALS 6: Tempers run as hot as San Francisco bats.

Hankies don't help
ANGELS 6, TWINS 3: Minnesota sloppy as Anaheim pulls even.

Local star Trammell to manage Tigers
DETROIT -- The Tigers hired former star shortstop Alan Trammell as manager Wednesday, hoping he can turn around a franchise that has endured nine straight losing seasons.

Cards hoping Rolen can play by weekend
ST. LOUIS -- Though he was not expected to play in Games 1 or 2, third baseman Scott Rolen made the Cardinals' NLCS roster.

Lamb sad time here was short
MINNEAPOLIS -- David Lamb might be something of a rare breed these days: a former Rays player participating in the postseason who regrets leaving.

Motorsports
Crash kills ARCA driver
CONCORD, N.C. -- A driver in the minor-league ARCA series crashed into a wall Wednesday and seconds later was hit broadside by another car, killing him and injuring the other driver.

Shorts
Sports briefs
Qualifier ousts Capriati in three

NBA
Rookie Giricek seals Grizzlies' win
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Rookie Gordon Giricek scored 19 Wednesday to lead the Grizzlies to an 83-71 preseason victory over the Heat.

NFL
Ravens LB Lewis likely to sit
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis missed practice Wednesday with a sore shoulder and is doubtful for Sunday's game against Indianapolis.

College basketball
Gators a go for Madness
GAINESVILLE -- It's Midnight Madness time again.

NHL
Veterans lead Rangers to victory
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Mark Messier scored twice in a three-minute span and Mike Richter moved to within three victories of 300, giving Bryan Trottier a victory in his first game as Rangers coach as New York beat the Hurricanes 4-1 on Wednesday.

Golf
Tours aim for equal access
Local golfer Vincent Reid hopes to provide more prospects for women and girls.

Janzen tied for lead at 63 in Invensys Classic
LAS VEGAS -- Lee Janzen came into this gambling town resolving to play it safe. He followed his plan to perfection Wednesday with 9-under 63 that tied him for the lead after the first round of the Invensys Classic at Las Vegas.

Sorenstam closing in on records
There are so many amazing numbers associated with Annika Sorenstam's run to the top of women's golf, it's almost impossible to decide what is most impressive.

Horse racing
Reward not worth this risk
Sometimes it's not worth the risk to try to win one of the prestigious horse races in the world.

Preps
Florida-Georgia all-star game turns to Tampa
Securing sponsors and an open date at Raymond James Stadium for the December game puts pressure on organizers.

Volleyball extra
The Super Seven

Panthers hold off 'Canes, snap skid
LECANTO -- No one wants to go out a loser.

And the first pick is . . .
The best teams in Hillsborough County the past two years have been -- without a doubt -- the Scott Purkolators and the Readling Rampage.

Packers make a clean sweep
The Largo boys and girls claim titles in their own invitational.

Outdoors
Daily fishing report
Even though water temperatures remain high for October, many fall species have started to arrive.