Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 4.16.25

Apr 16

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Wolves/Lakers begin Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. Full series schedule not out yet. Watching the Warriors beat the Grizzlies, we should all be thankful they avoided that play-in.

Xcel Energy Center will have a new name in 2025-26.

A year ago, Nolan Graves had just one scholarship offer, to Yale. Now? The Orono product and Minnesota Player of the Year has offers abound, including the Gophers.

Wild Wins to Clinch Playoffs, Gives Flower Memorable OT Sendoff

The biggest assist of the season may have come from Filip Gustavsson. Moments after Joel Eriksson Ek forced overtime and therefore put the Wild officially into the playoffs and a first-round match-up with Vegas, the Gus Bus suggested to John Hynes that they put Marc-Andre Fleury in net for the extra session.

Flower dazzled in overtime, stacking the pads, flashing the leather and making five saves. Matt Boldy scored yet another game-winning goal. It didn’t really matter, but no one who watched the game will remember that. Everything mattered in Flower’s swansong. Although maybe we shouldn’t call it that, I’ve seen thisi team have to play its third goalie in a playoff game.

So rather than backing into the playoffs, the Wild has some momentum headed into a series that coud start Saturday or Sunday in Vegas. And they’re finally healthy. There’s no cheering in the press box, but you have to imagine there was plenty among the media that got to cancel their Winnipeg reservation and instead head to Nevada.

Twins Win, but Correa, Wallner Hurt

Maybe the Twins should just petition MLB to start their season in May. Forfeit all of April but at least start May with some rizz and healthy bodies.

The Twins survived the Mets 6-3 last night - Jhoan Duran getting the final out with the bases loaded after another fielding debacle - but lost both Carlos Correa and Matt Wallner to injury. With a 12:40 p.m. series finale today, those are both for sure no shows in today’s lineup.

Correa left with a hand injury. After the game, he said he’s been dealing with it since last season. That’s worrisome. Wallner left with a hamstring injury.

The good news is the Twins gave Bailey Ober his first win in 13 starts. Need to get that guy going again. Brooks Lee homered.

Oh, and Jose Miranda hurt his hand on an off day in Saint Paul…

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