While much of America is focused on the NCAA Men's Tournament, we are forced to turn elsewhere upon the elimination of our area's three teams. And come on, you know you aren't going to win that office pool your friend pressured you to join. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative sports viewing options this week. Feel free to leave your own in the comments.

TUESDAY
The Washington Capitals just won't quit. They've been scrambling among the pack of playoff hopefuls for months, and as the season draws to a close, they have elevated their play. Will it be enough to make the top eight? This week's action will go a long way in deciding the Caps' playoff fate. Tonight they face division leader Carolina in an away game. With a win, Washington will close the gap to a mere three points. 7 p.m., CSN.

Though the Maryland men's basketball team was knocked out of the NIT with little fanfare, their women remain one of the top stories in their sport. After securing a 1-seed, the Terps struggled with first round opponent Coppin State before putting them away deep into the second half. They'll have a much tougher time Tuesday night against 8-seed Nebraska. 9 p.m., ESPN2.

WEDNESDAY
The Washington Wizards seek to maintain their playoff form in Seattle. Though the Sonics are heading for another high lottery pick, they have an exciting young superstar in Kevin Durant who is worth the wait for the PST start. 10 p.m., CSN.

Photo by dougvansant

THURSDAY
The Capitals' divisional road trip's second leg brings them to Tampa Bay. The Lightning reside in the division's cellar, so it's a game the Caps should win. Look for Alex Ovechkin to add to his league-leading 60 goals. 7:30 p.m., CSN.

FRIDAY
The Wizards continue their west coast road trip with a game against the Sacramento Kings. If the Kings have not yet been eliminated from the Western Conference playoff race, the Wizards can twist in the dagger on Friday night. 10 p.m., CSN.

SATURDAY
Bummed that you missed out on tickets to opening day at Nationals Park? You can spend some time and a lot of money perusing craigslist for tickets, but we have another option for you. Why not see them Saturday night? The Nats only offered seats for Saturday's exhibition against the Orioles to their season ticket holders, but Stubhub has a few options for relatively cheap money. So the game technically doesn't, well, count. Doesn't mean you can't brag to your friends about seeing the Nationals play for the first time in their new stadium. 6:05 p.m.

Though less illustrious than baseball's opening day, D.C. United fans have eagerly anticipated the MLS debut of the club's offseason acquisitions. Each team will flaunt an Argentinian international designated player -- Marcelo Gallardo (44 caps, 14 goals) for United and Claudio Lopez (58 caps, 10 goals) for Kansas City. Though you'll have to turn to your Direct Kick package or MLSLIVE.tv for live coverage, Comcast Sportsnet will run the match on tape delay. 8 p.m. (11 p.m. on delay)

SUNDAY
Tonight's official opening of Nationals Park draws the distinction of being the first game of the 2008 MLB season (discounting the Boston-Oakland quasi-exhibition in Japan). Though tickets are long gone, Nationals faithful can pick up the game on ESPN. Recently named starter Odalis Perez will take on the Braves' veteran RHP Tim Hudson. 8:05 p.m., ESPN.

The GW Colonials women overcame an eight point halftime deficit last night and used a last-second tip-in to upset 3-seed Cal and earn a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. They'll need more of that magic to get past 2-seed Rutgers, a team that routed them 67-42 earlier in the season. 12 p.m., ESPN2.