First Down

TODAY ON WASHINGTONTIMES.COM

In the Room: Corey Masisak will check in from the morning skate and from the arena as the Capitals prepare for another big game.

TODAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

The Caps play game No. 81 with everything on the line when they face the visiting Lightning. 7 p.m., CSN

LOCAL POWER RANKINGS

ALEX OVECHKIN

He scored his 63rd goal (tied for most ever by a left wing) Tuesday night. If the Caps make playoffs, he’s a no-brainer for NHL MVP.

NICK JOHNSON

Can the National League comeback player of the year be decided in the first week of the season? Out for all of 2007, Johnson had three hits in his first seven at-bats entering the Nationals’ game last night.

JIM LARRANAGA

The George Mason coach is staying put even though Providence ” his alma mater ” came calling this week. It’s a sign that a) he’ll finish his career in Fairfax and b) the Friars were a no-win situation.

DAN SNYDER

The Danny said in The Washington Times yesterday he has “matured” as the Redskins’ owner. But the jury will be out for a year whether the Redskins’ commitment to the draft is genuine.

KRISTI TOLIVER

Maryland’s defensive struggles ruined her sensational weekend in Spokane, Wash. — eight assists vs. Vanderbilt and 35 points vs. Stanford. She should be a national player of the year candidate next year.

TWT FIVE KENTUCKY DERBY CONTENDERS

1. Big Brown (trainer Rick Dutrow). Rolled to a five-length win in the Florida Derby, and his three career wins are by a combined 29 lengths.

2. Pyro (trainer Steve Asmussen). Hasn’t done much wrong this year, winning the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby. His final Derby prep is the Blue Grass on April 12.

3. Colonel John (trainer Eoin Harty). The Sham Stakes winner returns to the races Saturday in the Santa Anita Derby. He will have only two starts before the Derby.

4. War Pass (trainer Nick Zito). Was the favorite of many until finishing last in the Tampa Bay Derby last month. Up next is the Wood Memorial on Saturday at Aqueduct.

5. Cool Coal Man (trainer Nick Zito). Fountain of Youth winner has four wins in seven career starts. But he will have a new rider on Derby Day — Kent Desormeaux will stay on Big Brown.