NHL » Conference finals, daily, Versus, 7 p.m.
Starting Tuesday night, and continuing all week, Versus will be the home for the Stanley Cup Eastern and Western Conference Finals.

MLB » Nationals at Cardinals, Mon. & Tues., MASN-HD, 8:15 p.m.
The Nats finish their long road trip with a pair of games at Busch Stadium. Then they come back home to host the Mets for a pair before a weekend series against the Orioles. — Jim Williams

MY TWO CENTS

1. Charlie Davies is losing the sympathy vote » The frustration forward Charlie Davies feels over his omission from the U.S. national team’s World Cup training camp is understandable, given how hard he’s worked since the car accident that nearly took his life last October. Also understandable is the hesitancy of his club team, Sochaux FC, and the U.S. national team to put him back into action, given the extent of his injuries. But the only person that Davies can blame for missing the World Cup is himself. The choices he made — to break curfew two nights before a World Cup qualifier and to get into a car with someone who had been drinking — led him to where he is today. Instead of tweeting about his progress, Davies should say publicly that he accepts responsibility for the reasons that he won’t play in South Africa next month. — Craig Stouffer

2. Tiger will be dominant again » Those predicting gloom and doom for Tiger Woods in his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships are overlooking his most obvious asset — his overwhelming talent. This may well be a lost season for Woods. But none of his current maladies are career threatening. At age 34, he still has plenty of time to regain his health, his swing and put his personal life back in order. How many golfers have won majors with less than their best stuff? None, except Tiger. That’s how talented he is. He was hitting shots on “The Mike Douglass Show” at age 2. He won the Masters and U.S. Open by record margins. There will be a second act and it might be better than the first. — Kevin Dunleavy

3. The Nationals have a prime opportunity to increase their D.C. market in the next month and a half » They must capitalize. Yes, they can still win in the future and still draw attention. But this scenario is perfect for them, starting with no attention to other teams. In a few weeks they’ll promote Drew Storen, then Stephen Strasburg, then (likely) draft Bryce Harper, creating a buzz around the team not seen since their first season. Then, when you look at their schedule in June — if they can just get to the month still over or at .500 — it’s made to gain momentum. They’ll face seven teams currently under .500: Houston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore, Kansas City and Atlanta. Young fans have not latched onto this team. This is a chance to grab some badly needed momentum. — John Keim

PLAYER TO WATCH

Vince Carter, G-F, Orlando Magic
The Magic clearly look to be the team to beat of those remaining in the NBA playoffs. But they will need a consistent effort from Carter, something they have not always received this season. Carter will not get the same looks he did vs. Atlanta, nor will anyone on Orlando, simply because the Celtics, with Kendrick Perkins, can play Dwight Howard with one defender. That means Carter will have to be active and aggressive, looking for gaps in the defense to penetrate. When he’s on, the Magic are difficult to beat. They’re 23-6 — and have won 14 of the last 15 — when he scores at least 20 points. — John Keim

FIVE UP & FIVE DOWN


UP

1. Rasheed Wallace » With 13 points in Game 6 vs. CLE, ‘Sheed proving he didn’t come to Boston for the regular season.

2. Goran Dragic » Backup PG’s surge just one example of depth that will give Phoenix a fighting chance against the Lakers.

3. Chicago Bulls/New York Knicks » LeBron James turned his back on Cleveland in the playoffs. He has to be looking somewhere.

4. Purdue » National title hopes resuscitated with E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson both returning for senior year.

5. Mike Cammalleri » Already has 12 postseason goals for Canadiens, tied for fourth-most in franchise history.


DOWN
1. Eddie Johnson » Made unlikely late run onto the U.S. World Cup roster, only to tweak a hamstring that will put his chances back in doubt.

2. Brian Cushing » Texans LB keeps defensive ROY award, but may have to discard it anyway, since it smells rotten.

3. Rod Strickland » Kentucky assistant coach demoted one month after getting charged with drunken driving.

4. Sidney Crosby » Head-to-head comparisons with Ovechkin strengthened by his disappearance against Habs, too. 

5. Mike Woodson » Hawks head coach gave Atlanta brass little reason to keep him around.

— Craig Stouffer