Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 4-14-23.

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Apr 14

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Wolves Host OKC Tonight for Eighth Seed

The Wolves host Oklahoma City tonight at 8:30 (better than 9, I suppose) in the final play-in game, for the right to be the No. 8 seed and play Denver in the first round. Minnesota has had two nights to get over its OT loss to the Lakers, in which they blew a 15-point third quarter lead.

Target Center will be juiced tonight. There’s no doubt in my mind the Wolves will hold another double digit lead in the second half. The question is, can they protect it. I think they will, and probably give Denver a little scare, too.

A big part of that answer is Rudy Gobert’s status. His back spasms are still bothering him, and he said yesterday that even had he not been suspended, he wouldn’t have played against LA.

Wild’s Regular Season is Over; Playoffs Starts Monday or Tuesday

None of these final games mattered, so you have to try to not get too upset about the Wild’s finish, which was capped off by a 4-3 OT loss last night in Nashville. Still, it’s been a couple weeks since they played a “complete” game so to speak, and many vets have been rested at least two games down the stretch.

The Wild still doesn’t know its first round opponent. If Colorado beats Nashville tonight, Minnesota will play Dallas. If the Avs lose, they’ll earn a first-round date with the Wild. A series in Dallas would start Monday, and with Colorado would start Tuesday, per The Athletic’s Mike Russo.

A great day to be Frederick Gaudreau yesterday. He scored two goals, and signed a lengthy five-year, $10.5 million extension with the Wild. Not bad for a guy that two trade deadlines ago, it looked like the Wild had to get another second or third line center. But Dean Evason always believed in this guy, having coached him in the minors. He works his butt off, is one of the nicest human beings you’ll ever meet, and you have to be happy for him. Five years may seem a little long, but it’s clear he could have gotten more than $2.1 mil a year on the open market, so win win for everyone around. Now, will Marcus Johansson be healthy enough to start the playoffs alongside Gaudreau and budding star Matt Boldy?

Twins Obliterate Yankees

Disappointed in you, Twins fans. While the Twins lit up the Yankees for nine runs in the first inning - the Yankees have never allowed more runs in the first in their entire 121 season history - I only received one text, simply stating “wow.”

It was a wow night, with the Yankees finishing the game with Twins legend Isiah Kiner-Falafa on the mound (he’s not a pitcher) in the Twins’ 11-2 win. The biggest inning ever for the Twins.

Two homers for Michael A. Taylor who is fitting in just fine, and allowing Byron Buxton to DH. First MLB homer for Edouard Julien, just up from AAA. Carlos Correa, fighting off back spasms of his own, homered too.

Now, there are three more games at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees very may well win all three. But it’s clear this ideation of Twins aren’t intimidated in The Bronx.

Only one team in baseball (the 13-0 Rays) have a better record than the 9-4 Twins. Their +24 run differential is tied for third in the majors. They’ll send North St. Paul’s Louie Varland - who made his MLB debut at Yankee Stadium last year - to the mound tonight in place of Kenta Maeda, who had his start skipped due to arm fatigue. That has to be a worry for a guy coming off Tommy John surgery.

Loons Host Orlando City

After a great week in The Cities with temps in the mid 80’s, it’s expected to drop to near 40 when the Loons play host to Orlando City on Saturday at 7:30. Minnesota is trying to rebound from its only loss off the season.