Everybody say it with us: The NFL draft is over. Reality and sanity can now prepare to re-enter the world of sports. As such, here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for the week: ALL THE DOME YOU CAN TAKE
The Twins start a weeklong homestand tonight as they usher in the defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays. Discussions about Matt Garza and Delmon Young are certain to ensue. Tuesday's game against the Rays is the first of nine "All You Can Eat" nights at the Dome, with special tickets available in select sections for unlimited consumption of some concession items.
SAN JOSE TRIES TO SURVIVE
Top-seeded San Jose is hanging on for dear life in the NHL's Western Conference playoffs. Down 3-2, the Sharks play in Anaheim tonight (9:30, Versus) and hope to stave off elimination. Tuesday, meanwhile, brings us a glorious Game 7 in the East: Rangers vs. Capitals (6 p.m., Versus).
BULLS-CELTICS DRAMA CONTINUES
Unfortunately, that Rangers/Capitals game goes head to head with another must-see game: Bulls at Celtics in Game 5 of their NBA opening-round series (6 p.m. Tuesday, TNT). Three of the four games in this series have been classics, including Sunday's double-overtime victory for Chicago that evened the series 2-2.
SEE YOURSELF AS A SAINT?
The St. Paul Saints baseball team is hosting open tryouts Thursday morning at Midway Stadium. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and tryouts start at 9. Participants are asked to bring their own equipment. It's kind of like "American Idol," but without all the singing. See saintsbaseball.com for more information.
THUNDER HAS HOME DEBUT
The Thunder has its home opener at 7:05 p.m. against Vancouver at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Minnesota played its first four matches of the season on the road, resulting in two losses and two draws.
LOCAL HORSE BOUND FOR DERBY
Horse racing takes center stage with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (TV coverage starts at 3 p.m., Ch. 11). Local horse Win Willy, who began his racing career last summer at Canterbury Park, is slated to run in the race.
MICHAEL RAND
