First Down

ON WASHINGTONTIMES.COM

In the Room: Corey Masisak weighs in on the Capitals’ playoff series with Philadelphia.

TODAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

The Capitals play their first playoff game since 2003 when they face the Flyers at Verizon Center. 7 p.m. CSN

TWT FIVE ” BEST APRILS IN BASEBALL HISTORY

1. Alex Rodriguez, 2007: On his way to winning his third American League MVP, Rodriguez tied the record of 14 home runs in the month. He also drove in 34 runs and batted .355.

2. Albert Pujols, 2006: The Cardinals slugger became the first player to hit 14 home runs in April. He also drove in 32 runs and hit .346.

3. Barry Bonds, 1996: The Giants left fielder hit 11 home runs and set a National League record for RBI in April with 32. He also batted .313 while swiping seven bases in seven attempts.

4. Juan Gonzalez, 1998: Juan-Gone set a record for RBI in April, pushing across 35 runs while batting .355. Seventeen of his 38 hits were for extra bases.

5. Chris Shelton, 2006: The virtually unknown Shelton hit five home runs in his first four games and seven in his first nine. He would finish with 10 home runs for the month but just 16 on the year. The Tigers sent him back to the minors July 31.

THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

THE MASTERS

Didn’t you hear? There are only two players at Augusta this year, Tiger Woods and “field.”

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Even if you’re not into the Caps-Flyers series, it’s easy to get excited about the Rangers vs. the Devils or the Canadiens vs. the Bruins. The NHL should be pleased with the lineup of games.

SUBWAY FRESH FIT 500

Hendrick teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have yet to see victory lane this year. But they happen to be the last two winners at Phoenix, site of tomorrow night’s race.

WIZARDS vs. 76ERS

The battle for playoff seeds is tense, with Washington holding a slight lead over Philadelphia for the fifth spot. But that could change after this game.

YANKEES vs. RED SOX

Neither team is off to a torrid start, but the season first game of this rivalry is always worth watching. And if you can’t stand anymore of Joe Buck’s gushing, turn down the volume.