The Washington Capitals have won eight of their last nine games. Will they be able to maintain their run of form for the final three games of the season? The Caps sit on the edge of the playoffs, though they are on the outside looking in. Their three home games this week should give fans some of the more thrilling moments in recent seasons. What's more, there's plenty of other regional sports action on the table this week. Feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments.

TUESDAY
For the Caps to make the playoffs, their best chance might be to assume leadership of the Southeast Divsion. By securing an automatic bid as division leaders, the Caps would get slotted into the third seed. Standing in their way are the Carolina Hurricanes. An outright win tonight would force the two teams into a tie for the division lead. Carolina holds the tie breaker, so the Caps would need them to drop a point or two in their final two games. Tickets are still available. Get them here. 7 p.m., CSN.

D.C. United has never won in Mexico. If they want to move past Pachuca to reach the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, they'll do well to forget their past performances. Apart from history, the elevation in Hidalgo (7,900 feet) promises to be another factor adverse to United's success. Regardless, United's matches against Mexican teams in recent years have produced some entertaining, contentious soccer. 10 p.m., FSC.

WEDNESDAY
Will the Washington Nationals make their last inning heroics a habit? They might have to again Wednesday night in Philadelphia: the Phillies will be starting Cole Hamels, one of the bright young pitchers in the game. The Nats would do well to take Nick Johnson's lead and work the count; their best hope will be to raise Hamels' pitch count and expose the soft underbelly of the Phils' bullpen. 7 p.m., MASN.

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Remember Andrew Bogut, the Australian sensation and former number one overall pick? Yeah, his production has been a bit disappointing, especially considering the success of later picks Chris Paul and Deron Williams. He'll get his chance to vindicate his punchline status (note: we are not claiming that he will) against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Tickets here. 7 p.m., CSN.

THURSDAY
The Capitals have owned Tampa Bay this year (5-2). They hope to draw from past experiences this Thursday, as any playoff-making scenario requires them to win out. Their two closest non-divisional competitors, Boston and Philadelphia, play on Wednesday night, so you'll be able to avert your eyes away from the scoreboard and onto the ice. Tickets, 7 p.m., CSN.

FRIDAY
Not too much going on tonight. What? The Miami Heat are coming to town? You mean the recent NBA champs, featuring Shaq and D-Wade? Oh, you mean this Miami Heat. We'll define the appeal of this game strictly by the merits of the home team. With Caron Butler becoming more and more comfortable, the Wizards have been rounding into form of late. See if they continue their playoff form Friday. Tickets. 8 p.m., CSN.

SATURDAY
D.C. United holds their MLS home opener tonight against Toronto FC. Though Saturday's season opener in Kansas City was a bit of a disappointment, the Wizards will be much better than many expect this year. Expect Toronto to put up less resistance. Tickets deals are available here, including a pacakage that comes with pint glasses. Television coverage is limited to Direct Kick and MLSLIVE.tv. 7:30 p.m.

As one regular season begins, another ends. Tonight, the Caps play their season finale against Florida. If Washington is still in the playoff picture, this will be the ultimate game of the season (in both senses of the word). Somewhat surprisingly, tickets are still available. 7 p.m., CSN.

SUNDAY
After many years of success, the St. Louis Cardinals were picked by many to finish near the bottom of their division in 2008. Albert Pujols' monster spring may indicate the error of their ways. The Nationals hope to prove the Cardinals' critics' prescience at Busch Stadium when they match Tim Redding against Kyle Lohse. 2 p.m., MASN2.