Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 12.16.24

Dec 16

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The Vikings, who began the season with a 14-percent chance to make the playoffs per ESPN, are in, thanks to Green Bay’s win over Seattle last night. But there’s a Lake Superior sized opening for the Vikings to take control of their own destiny in the NFC North when they host the Bears tonight on Monday Night Football. (There are two games, the Vikings are on ABC). The Lions lost to the Bills yesterday, so a Vikings win puts both the teams at 12-2 with one head-to-head game left. The division winner could potentially still be the No. 1 overall seed (Philly also 12-2) with a first-round bye; almost as importantly, the team who doesn’t win the division will have to go on the road in the first round of the playoffs against a division winner.

Kaprizov Tied for NHL Lead in Goals Despite Loss to Vegas

Kirill Kaprizov netted two more goals in last night’s 3-2 loss to Vegas at The X. He’s tied for the NHL lead with 22, and what’s scary is that his partner in crime Mats Zuccarello missed most of the last month. Zuccy has three assists on Kaprizov goals in two games since returning.

But the Wild has now lost two of three; they’re still the only NHL team without back-to-back losses in regulation.

Jonas Brodin also returned from injury (good), but the Wild turned to Jesper Wallstedt last night with Vezina Trophy candidate Filip Gustavsson getting his lower body injury “looked at.” The more vague the injury, the more concern (generally speaking). Marc-Andre Fleury had played Saturday in a win over Philadelphia.

Despite losing two of three, Minnesota is in second in the Western Conference, just a point behind Central leader Winnipeg.

The Wild plays four games in six nights heading into the meager holiday break, beginning Wednesday at home against defending champion Florida.

Wolves Cruise Past Spurs, KAT Comes to Town Thursday

The Wolves defense is back to 2023-24 form. Minnesota allowed its opponent under 100 points for the fifth time in six games, racing out to a 15-point lead en route to a 106-92 win in San Antonio last night.

It would have been easy to look ahead to KAT’s homecoming to Target Center this Thursday, but the Wolves took care of their business. Emotions are sure to be high Thursday.

You can’t help but be a little worried about Naz Reid, who missed nine of his 10 shots and all four 3-pointers against San Antonio.

The Wolves’ win last night moved them into the top six in the West with a 14-1 record. They’ve won six of seven.

Gopher Hockey

There’s likey a new No. 1 coming today in men’s college hockey, after the No. 1 Gophers could manage just a point in two games against No. 2 (or No. 3 based on which poll you follow) Michigan State at home. They teams tied 3-3 Friday with the Spartans taking the shootout point. The Spartans went on to beat the Gophers 5-3 on Saturday. Minnesota hits the holiday break 15-3-2 with a 8-1-1 Big 10 mark and a 7-1-2 record at home. The Gophers are off until Jan. 3-4 against Mercyhurst.

The Gopher women, ranked third, have almost a full month off before they play Bemidji State in Lakeville on New Year’s Day.

Gopher Basketball

The Gopher women are 11-1 heading into Friday’s game at The Barn against Prairie View A&M. They’ll hold their on in the Big 10, but don’t expect that gaudy win percentage to continue - exclusively conference games beginning Dec. 28.

The Gopher men have begun conference play with blowout losses to Michigan State and Indiana. Big 10 play is not for the weak of heart. They’ve got a couple non-conference homegames over break, starting with Farleigh Dickinson Saturday.

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