Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 4.7.25

Apr 7

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I never thought Wayne Gretzky’s goal record would be beaten, but what a moment when Alexander Ovechkin scored No. 895 at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., yesterday. I’m glad the Islanders won, if only because of the awkward 30-minute ceremony in the middle of a 2-1 game. No one will catch Ovechkin.

Paige Bueckers finally got her championship. The former Hopkins star, whose chance at a state championship was ruined on the eve of the final game due to Covid, led UConn to a well earned national championship in Tampa Bay yesterday. South Carolina was no match for the Huskies. Bueckers missed a season and a half due to injury. She’ll be the undisputed No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft a week from today. Dallas has the No 1 pick.

A Minnesota professional team won a game at Yankee Stadium! Loons beat New York 2-1 yesterday to move into a tie for second in the West, seven games in.

This Duke fan will avoid talking about the Final Four. Go Florida.

Wild Inches Closer to Playoff Spot with OT Win over Dallas

Take that, Norm Green.

The Wild’s 3-2 win over Dallas at The X yesterday put them not only a step closer to clinching a wild card, but it also put a crushing blow to the Stars’ division title hopes.

Marco Rossi scored 58 seconds into overtime, after Matt Boldy and Marcus Foligno scored third-period goals. The win moved the Wild six points up on the final playoff spot. They’ve got four games left - Calgary has six.

Minnesota hosts San Jose on Wednesday, before a crucial trip to Western Canada (Calgary, Vancouver) that will ultimately decide the Wild’s fate.

Wolves Own Longest Win Streak in NBA; Still in 7th

The Wolves play up or down to their level of competition, so it’s a good thing the playoffs are only four games away. Minnesota almost effed around and found out Saturday in Philly, edging the Sixers 114-109 behind 37 points from Anthony Edwards and 23 points and 19 rebounds from Rudy Gobert. But the Wolves aren’t going to win many playoff games getting nine total points from Jaden McDaniels and NAW.

There are now FOUR teams with exactly the same 46-32 records in the West, and another (Denver) at 47-32. These standings don’t mean much, especially with a lot of games among the teams left. Wolves/Grizzlies this week will be huge.

4 - Nuggets

5 - Clippers -.5

6 - Warriors -.5

7 - Wolves - .5

8 - Grizzlies - 5

Minnesota has Milwaukee and Memphis on the road this week, before finishing it off with non playoff teams Brooklyn and Utah at home.

Twins Blow 7-1 Lead to Lose Series to Astros

The Twins looked well on their way to a series win over Houston at Target Field yesterday. But staked to an early 7-1 lead Chris Paddack and seven relievers couldn’t hold that lead, ultimately falling 9-7 in 10 innings.

With a two-run lead in the eighth, Rocco Baldelli used Jhoan Duran for a perfect inning. But Griffin Jax gave up two in the ninth, and Louie Varland two in the 10th.

And please, it’s time to get rid of the ghost runner.

The 3-6 Twins visit the 4-5 Royals for four games starting tonight.

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