Television

SLAP SHOT This one is fun all around, with Paul Newman as the coach of a struggling minor league hockey team that turns its fortunes around by adopting a smash-mouth style of play. Michael Ontkean and Lindsay Crouse also star in the 1977 comedy-drama, a treat for hockey fans and nonfans alike. (2 hrs. 30 mins.) (7 p.m. AMC)

CENTER STAGE Young ballet dancers vie for six slots in a professional company in this 2000 drama. As they prepare for their shot at the big time, they wrestle various personal and social demons. Amanda Schull, Zoe Saldana and Shakiem Evans star with Peter Gallagher and Debra Monk. (CC) (2 hrs. 30 mins.) (7 p.m. FAM)

THREE KINGS Critics praised this 1999 war drama for its intelligent approach and smooth use of comedy. In the waning days of Desert Storm, three soldiers (Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze) find a map pointing to a stash of gold that Saddam Hussein's forces have stolen from the Kuwaitis. A disillusioned Special Forces officer (George Clooney) steps in and leads the trio on a very unauthorized mission to retrieve the loot. (2 hrs. 30 mins.) (7 p.m. FX)

HOUSE Nice work if you can get it, and John Larroquette did. The star of the McBride mystery movies guest stars in "Son of Coma Guy" as – a guy in a coma. But he doesn't just get to lie there; in fact, he acts his heart out. Also, there's tension on the team thanks to Tritter (guest star David Morse) and his vendetta against House (Hugh Laurie). (CC/HDTV/ TVPG) (1 hr.) (8 p.m. Ch. 4)

LENO Former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.); actress Lauren Graham; Toby Keith performs. (N/CC/HDTV/TV14) (1 hr. 2 mins.) (10:35 p.m. Ch. 5)

LETTERMAN Actress Kyra Sedgwick; music magnate Richard Branson; Maroon 5 performs. (N/CC/HDTV/TVPG) (1 hr. 2 mins.) (10:35 p.m. Ch. 11)

CONAN Journalist Tim Russert; Feist performs. (N/CC/HDTV/ TV14) (59 mins.) (11:37 p.m. Ch. 5)