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Introduction: On a jam-packed episode of the podcast, host Michael Rand starts out with the Wild's 10-goal outburst against Vancouver -- the best team in the NHL -- on Monday, which included six goals over a six-minute span from late in the second period to the early part of the third. Minnesota set all sorts of records in the victory, which helped the Wild creep closer to a playoff spot. 6:00: Mike Conley Jr. and the Wolves agreed on a two-year extension, which will solidify the team's future at point guard while muddying the offseason salary picture. 10:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand from Florida to break down the big early spring training stories. The biggest so far seems to be Byron Buxton's health and optimism, both of which are welcome signs for the Twins. 31:00: Minnesota United is closing in on its next head coach, and he's seven years younger than any other head coach in Major League Soccer.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand on Monday's show, which features Reusse remembering some of the best moments -- and biggest changes -- from the first Twins spring training he covered in 1974 until now. The characters make the game, and Reusse has seen a lot of them in the last half-century down in Florida. 26:00: Speeding back to the present, Reusse and Rand get into the Gophers men's basketball team's strong win over Rutgers on Sunday. Aside from a three-minute blip, it was as good as Minnesota can play, Reusse said. 35:00: On the not so bright side, the NBA All-Star Game continues to be a farce. Unless you like final scores of 211-186.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at over-under totals set for Big Ten football teams in 2024 and can't help but be alarmed by where the Gophers are. Long story short: Odds suggest they have the best chance to be the worst team in the league. The Gophers basketball team, meanwhile, missed a chance at an upset in Purdue. 10:00: Star Tribune writer Rachel Blount joins the show for a look at the World Cup cross-country ski event at Wirth Park this weekend. A huge crowd is expected for an event many years in the making -- one that wouldn't be possible without the work of Minnesota's Jessie Diggins. 26:00: The Wolves cruised into the All-Star break with another lopsided win, but things will heat up after the break. ... Caitlin Clark continues to amaze. ... Rob Manfred is speaking Rand's language when it comes to streaming games.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand sees the Wild's four-game post-break winning streak and wonders if they can get this sort of goaltending on a more consistent basis. Their goalie play has been a weak link so far this season, but if it's better down the stretch the playoffs could be in sight. Plus a look at a big day coming for the Wolves on ESPN next week. 9:00: Rand welcomes Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins for some interesting talk about the Vikings and Gophers football teams. It's a big offseason for Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. It could be a big 2024 for head coach Kevin O'Connell. And they get into the P.J. Fleck-to-UCLA rumors and whether O'Connell or Fleck could feel the heat in 2024 if they don't have good seasons. 35:00: Mike Zimmer is introduced in Dallas and sounds happy.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand has details on the latest Timberwolves victory, which included a three-point barrage from Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the fourth quarter to put away the Blazers. Minnesota is surging into the All-Star break and looks to have the depth of a true contender. 9:00: Star Tribune Gophers football and men's hockey beat writer Randy Johnson joins Rand for a breakdown of his busy weekend. As the hockey team was earning back-to-back shutouts, Johnson was also chasing down rumblings that P.J. Fleck was a candidate to coach at UCLA. That didn't come to fruition, but Johnson has good details on the process and why Fleck is still at Minnesota. 26:00: An interesting men's Frozen Four stat, a struggling Gophers team and a stray thought about Kevin O'Connell.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand opens with two impressive Minnesota road victories from Monday night. The Wolves dominated the third quarter in winning their Western Conference showdown with the Clippers. The game was also a seamless transition to adding Monte Morris into the rotation, and he helped keep several other players fresh. The Wild, meanwhile, earned a strong win at Vegas. Whether it's too little, too late is still yet to be determined. 9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling joins the show to break down the financial implications of a complicated Vikings offseason. It's officially the offseason, and the new league year begins in a month. The clock is ticking on a decision on Kirk Cousins -- and potentially on selecting a new quarterback in the draft. How does that domino impact the salary cap, a Justin Jefferson extension and more? 39:00: The Twins TV deal wasn't exactly what anyone wanted.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, leading of course with Sunday's Super Bowl. Kansas City won 25-22 in overtime over San Francisco, showing again why having the best QB on the planet matters in crucial moments. What did the game tell us about both teams -- and perhaps what did it tell us about the Vikings and Kirk Cousins now that the offseason is officially here. 15:00: Reusse and Rand get into the P.J. Fleck-to-UCLA speculation that perked up and died down over the weekend. Minnesota is actually a better job than UCLA. But why does Fleck's name come up so often when there are coaching vacancies? 26:00: Ben Johnson's Gophers lost a tough in in Iowa, while Reusse gives us a head start on Twins spring training with some early insights from Florida.

Introduction: Heading into Super Bowl weekend, host Michael Rand looks at two NFL stories with Minnesota ties. First, former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is back in the league after a two-year absence. Zimmer reportedly will be the new defensive coordinator in Dallas and will work for former rival head coach Mike McCarthy. Ex-Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, meanwhile, will need to wait at least another year for his Hall of Fame call. He said he was "hugely disappointed and shocked" that he missed the cut again. 8:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show to break down the trade for Monte Morris. The upshot: Getting another solid veteran for the rotation was just what the Wolves needed, but it was also about all they could do. Plus you'll hear from Wolves coach Chris Finch on the trade. He talked about Morris after the Wolves routed the Bucks on Thursday. 31:00: MLB is eyeing a future without TV blackouts, but not until 2025.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand noticed Wild fans were annoyed even in a victory on Wednesday night, Minnesota's first game back after a long All-Star break. The effort was underwhelming in a 2-1 win over the bottom-dwelling Blackhawks, and the fan sentiment seems to be an understanding that this team is going nowhere. 6:00: Rand has thoughts on the Wolves' trade for Monte Morris. He likes the deal, but he wishes the Wolves could take an even bigger deadline swing. 12:00: Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison joins the show ahead of the Super Bowl. What did Addison think of his rookie year? What goals does he have? And most importantly, what does he think of quarterback Kirk Cousins? 23:00: Rand runs through some listener questions about the NFL Draft, while the Twins officially welcomed in Carlos Santana.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand spends the opening part of the show on two big basketball games from Tuesday. The Gophers men's basketball team scored a big win over Michigan State, improving to 6-5 in the conference and giving legitimacy to the idea that they could make the NCAA tournament thi season. The Wolves, meanwhile, blew a double-digit fourth quarter lead in a defeat for the fourth time in their last 10 games. 11:00: The Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda joins Rand for an update on Minnesota United. With just over two weeks to go until the start of the MLS regular season, the Loons still don't have a permanent head coach in place. How much will that hamper a team that is making a transition in style and leadership this season? At least United fans have this: Zgoda says whatever chaos exists is nowhere near the level of dysfunction he used to witness when covering the David Kahn-era Timberwolves. 27:00: Is Aaron Rodgers the most popular NFL player in Minnesota? And what will a new streaming platform mean to the world of sports?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand thinks we need to refocus if we're thinking about the Vikings taking a quarterback in the draft. Move your eyes away from the first round and toward their No. 42 overall pick in the second round. That's where the value -- and their future QB -- might be. 7:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Phil Miller joins Rand to talk about a number of subjects, including: the signing of Carlos Santana; the news that the Twins will be on Bally Sports North in 2024; and the continued ownership of the Pohlad family. 30:00: The 49ers complaining about their Super Bowl practice field brings up a Vikings memory. Also, should Creed get the blame for the Vikings' nosedive this year?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, starting with basketball. The Wolves are 35-15 after 50 games, and head coach Chris Finch will be the coach for the Western Conference in the All-Star game. That's quite an accomplishment for all involved. 15:00: The Twins are staying on Bally Sports North for the 2024 season. What does that mean for their future -- and what do we think of the on-field moves they have made so far? 29:00: Mark Coyle got an extension. The Gophers men's basketball team won in overtime over Northwestern. Bob Motzko was mad on Saturday. And Reusse embraces Taylor Swift.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives a long head nod to Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves big man was named an All-Star for the fourth time in his career on Thursday, an honor that perhaps means more this time after all he has been through in the last 18 months. Given that Rand was convinced KAT needed to be traded before the start of the season, an acknowledgment of Towns' terrific season is in order. 7:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to talk about Saturday's big game against Northwestern, the emergence of Parker Fox and the new Big Ten Tournament format. He also gets into some St. Thomas basketball talk. 27:00: Jim Harbaugh wants to live in an RV for a while; Rand runs through some listener comments, including one Lions fan who was VERY upset about Monday's show.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand tries to compare Wednesday's record high temperatures to that night's blowout Wolves win over a shorthanded Mavericks team. He also takes a look at the chances of three Wolves to be named all-stars tonight, plus two big Lynx moves and another tough loss for the Gophers women's basketball team. 11:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a look at the offseason. Derek Falvey made his first big winter move earlier this week by trading Jorge Polanco. Nightengale dissects the deal -- and spins forward to what else is on the Twins' offseason to-do list. 30:00: Are the Twins doing enough?

Host Michael Rand gets swept up by NFL quarterback talk in late January, showing again the power of the league. He tries to get a baseline for the free agent market on Kirk Cousins, who figures to be the most coveted QB potentially available via that route. Which teams could afford him? How many teams flat-out need quarterbacks? How does the draft order affect the Vikings and everyone else? 10:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand on three subjects: The Wolves' big win over Oklahoma City (and what they still might need before the trade deadline); the Jorge Polanco trade; and an underrated Vikings offseason storyline. 33:00: Officials missed a clear foul on an Anthony Edwards dunk Monday against Oklahoma City. When given a chance to own up to the mistake, the NBA botched it again.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gets to the two big stories from Monday night right away. The Wolves (and their fans) were teetering before a big win over Oklahoma City restored order and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They won 107-101 despite what Anthony Edwards considered poor officiating. 6:00: The Twins, meanwhile, made their first big move of the offseason by trading longtime infielder Jorge Polanco to the Mariners for a starting pitcher, relief pitcher and two prospects. Seattle got the best player, but the trade should be good for both teams. 12:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the show to talk through the Super Bowl matchup and the Vikings' offseason so far. Are they playoffs telling us anything about roster building? And is trading Justin Jefferson something the Vikings should consider? 39:00: T.J. Hockenson had surgery, while the Gophers women's basketball team got bad news about Mara Braun's injury.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. The big discussion point, and a debate that will rage for a while, is whether the Lions and head coach Dan Campbell erred in being too aggressive on fourth down attempts -- aiding a San Francisco comeback victory in Sunday's NFC title game. Reusse boils it down succinctly: Campbell was an idiot. Meanwhile, there is fresh concern about the Timberwolves after another bad loss to the Spurs. Is this the start of a second-half slide, or are some recent lapses against bad teams just a lull? Plus thoughts on the Wild and TwinsFest.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand took note of two results Thursday and tried to put them in perspective. The Wolves won ugly against Brooklyn, but grinding out road wins against bad teams is essential for two reasons: proving they can sustain a high level for a full year and gaining a top-four seed in the Western Conference. The Wild's loss to Nashville, meanwhile, was another sign they just aren't quite up for competing for a playoff spot this year. 8:00: Former Twins pitcher Glen Perkins, a longtime teammate of newly elected Hall of Famer Joe Mauer, joins the show to talk about his long history with Mauer, his overall excellence and maybe a few things you didn't know. Plus Perkins gives his thoughts on the 2024 Twins. 34:00: The Falcons have a new head coach, and it isn't Bill Belichick.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand tries to connect the dots on three intriguing national stories. First, longtime NFL play-by-play voice Joe Buck said this week that declaring the touchdown and fake moon by Randy Moss was a "disgusting act" is the one call he'd most like to have back in his career. Plus the Milwaukee Bucks changed coaches even in the midst of success and the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh. 10:00: Rand is joined by Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan for a deeper look at a team that has been up and down all season. What should we expect the rest of the way from a team that has lacked consistency and has been hampered by injuries? 38:00: The Wolves wiped away a bad loss with a decent win.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at two damaging Gophers basketball losses to the Badgers on Tuesday. The men had a chance to change momentum but again had another close loss. The women, meanwhile, might rue their three-point loss in Wisconsin by the time the season ends. Plus Rand is done trying to figure out the suddenly hot Wild. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to talk a little more about Joe Mauer and about appreciating all the great athletes we have in Minnesota. Who is the most likely candidate to reach the Hall of Fame next? 23:00: Rand rethinks his idea that the Packers are now the cursed franchise.

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand after Tuesday's news that Twins great Joe Mauer has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot. The final margin was tight -- he cleared the bar by four votes, being named on 76.1% of ballots -- but the honor is undeniable. The St. Paul kid who spent his entire career with the Twins will be enshrined in Cooperstown, N.Y., on July 21 along with Adrian Beltre and Todd Helton. Neal, who covered Mauer's entire playing career, shares stories and unique perspectives of Mauer and celebrates the achievement.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts the show with the Timberwolves, who got 62 points from Karl-Anthony Towns but lost to the terrible Charlotte Hornets on Monday at Target Center. Afterward, head coach Chris Finch blasted the team for its immature approach and "disgusting" defensive effort. 10:00: Rand is joined by Star Tribune writer Kent Youngblood for a midyear check-in on the surging Gophers women's basketball team. Plus Youngblood analyzes WNBA free agency, which opened Sunday. The Lynx have needs, but will they find matches? 31:00: We already pretty much know Joe Mauer will be elected to the Hall of Fame tonight. It's a tremendous honor, but maybe some of the moment is temporarily lost by what we already know?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started with the NFL playoffs and a batch of compelling division round games. It could have been an all-NFC North title game, but the Packers choked against the 49ers and came up short in their upset bid. The Lions, meanwhile, dispatched Tampa Bay. In the AFC, quarterback excellence was on display. Missed kicks also loomed large. 24:00: A look at the career of Joe Mauer, who is on the verge of being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. We'll know for sure on Tuesday. 38:00: A disappointing loss for the Wolves and surprising results for the Wild.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with three local teams who were in action Thursday, painting a Dennis Green-esque picture. The Wolves, Wild and Gophers men's basketball teams? They are who we thought they were at the start of the year. The Wolves are very good. The Wild and Gophers still have a long way to go. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand for an in-depth look at the process of reporting his excellent new feature on eighth-grade basketball phenom Chloe Johnson. 37:00: Comments from Kirk Cousins about Bill Belichick and increased talks between Belichick and Atlanta could mean nothing. Or they could mean something.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand hates to pile on the Vikings (at least that's what he says), but he came across an evaluation recently of the Vikings' rookie classes in 2023 and 2022 and came away with a pretty easy evaluation: The Vikings didn't get nearly enough from their young players either year, and it's a major reason they are falling behind in the NFC North. 12:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to talk about the Gophers men's hockey team, which has some work to do in the next two months in order to make the NCAA field. Plus an update on Gophers football as well. 24:00: Renovations to Williams Arena? + A professional enough effort for the Wolves, another win for Minnesota's PWHL team and a loss for the Gophers women's basketball team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives the latest update on the Twins' TV situation with another new twist. Diamond Sports, which seemed to be preparing to wind down its operations, instead has a new influx of cash from settling a lawsuit with Sinclair and an investment from Amazon, which could keep it operating beyond 2024. The upshot? The Twins' TV plans in 2024 are on hold again, and the bigger picture is cloudier. 8:00: Rand is joined by two friends as they talk through one of the low points in Vikings history. It was 25 years ago today that the Vikings lost to the Falcons in overtime of the NFC title game. So many moments -- some you might have forgotten -- and the aftermath of the game make it worth revisiting. 37:00: It's shaping up to be a bonkers NFL head coaching cycle.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand asks two questions at the start of the show. First: What in the world happened to the Eagles this season? Second: What do the eight remaining quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs tell us about the path the Vikings should (or shouldn't) take this offseason? 9:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand for a look at the Wolves, who seem to have steadied themselves after a post-Christmas lull. They still have the best record in the Western Conference and now get an easy schedule. But should they be targeting players before the early February trade deadline? 33:00: A rough game for the Gophers men's basketball team and a milestone for Marc-Andre Fleury.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included two pretty important NFL playoff games Sunday. The Packers routed the heavily favored Cowboys, adding even more fuel to Jordan Love's ascent. The Lions, meanwhile, won their first playoff game in more than three decades. The Vikings look like they could be the fourth-best team in a four-team division in 2024. The Wild had a players-only meeting after a 6-0 loss to Arizona. They've already fired a head coach and tried to revive their season multiple times. If the reality is that they just aren't that good, what does that mean for the future? The Wolves, on the other hand, are very good. A strong win over the Clippers provided further evidence. The Gophers men's and women's basketball teams, meanwhile, are in the midst of important stretches.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand listens back on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's season-ending news conference and receives confirmation of the crux of this offseason. The Vikings like Kirk Cousins, and Cousins likes the Vikings. But whether there is a contract that suits both sides is another question -- one that from Rand's perspective leads to the answer of "no." 9:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joins Rand to talk through a quiet Twins offseason. But Miller reminds us that this is the time of year the Twins tend to start making their moves. In 2023, for instance, a loud January brought the Carlos Correa signing and the Luis Arraez/Pablo Lopez trade. Plus Miller and Rand get into Twins TV discussions and Joe Mauer's firm Hall of Fame standing. 36:00: Rand can't believe what he just read about Florida State and NIL.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand was almost ready to believe the Timberwolves were true championship contenders before they faltered down the stretch of a wonderful game at Boston. It doesn't mean they won't get there, nor does it mean we can't give the credit for a great short-handed effort. But they still have things to prove. 10:00: The Wolves are feeling some of the same shift in expectations that the Gophers men's basketball team is experiencing. Head coach Ben Johnson and standout big man Dawson Garcia weigh in on that idea. 20:00: Gophers women's hockey senior Madeline Wethington joins the show for a look at her extended hockey family, the PWHL, and a big weekend against Ohio State. 33:00: Hockey teams going in opposite directions; a seismic shift in big-time football.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Timberwolves, who only have one game left on a grueling 16-game test. They are 9-6 so far after a romp over Orlando on Tuesday. They have already passed the test, and the better news is they have the second-easiest remaining schedule in the NBA while already carrying the best record in the Western Conference. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for another perspective on what the Vikings should do this offseason at quarterback. His preference: Cut the cord with Kirk Cousins. Move on. The roster isn't good enough and the salary cap isn't flexible enough. Now is the time, and Neal offers his preferences for solutions. They also get into Joe Mauer's Hall of Fame chances and the Twins' offseason. 31:00: Is this the week we found out how we're going to watch the Twins in 2024?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand can't believe Aaron Rodgers would say what he said Monday, but then again he can. At the very least, it gave him an idea about self-awareness as it relates to the Jets quarterback -- who will, by the way, face the Vikings in 2024. 8:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the film on the Vikings one more time. Consider this more of a season in review as they look at which players emerged as part of the Vikings' core and which ones might be part of a larger roster overhaul. 27:00: Vikings poetry gets bleak, but it's not wrong. 39:00: A much-anticipated Wild debut coming soon?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included the merciful end to a disjointed Vikings season. Now that it's over, let's hope there is an honest reckoning with the roster and a true path forward, which should include a future without Kirk Cousins. The next few months could be as important as any during the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell era. 26:00: The PWHL drew 13,000 fans for Minnesota's home opener, part of a successful weekend aside from the Vikings. Minnesota's team won 3-0, while the Gophers men's basketball team improved to 3-1 in the Big Ten with another tense win. 42:00: Reusse tells some great stories about former Twins manager Billy Gardner, who died recently at age 96.

Introduction: The Gophers men's basketball team earned a huge win Thursday at Michigan, further validating the improvements they've made in Year 3 under Ben Johnson. Balanced scoring was again the key, as was a big defensive stop to preserve a 73-71 victory. Just how good can this team be? Plus the Wild lost again, sending their losing streak to four games. 9:00: Rachel Blount joins host Michael Rand for a look at the new PWHL. Minnesota's franchise won its debut 3-2 on Wednesday, and the home opener is Saturday. Blount describes a new era in pro women's hockey that could take the sport to new heights. 26:00: Ricky Rubio is retiring, and Rand has some thoughts. Plus what are Vikings fans hoping for this weekend in the finale vs. Detroit?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the history of the Timberwolves, which has included 12 seasons that have ended with 24 wins or fewer. That's how many wins the Wolves have now -- after 33 games. Their most recent efforts in a 24-9 season have been lacking, though, including a loss to New Orleans on Wednesday. As fans grumble through this lull, it's a lesson in expectations. 9:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand for a look ahead to Thursday's game at Michigan and the challenges of a Big Ten slate. After some good showings against weak competition, what should we expect from Ben Johnson's team? 33:00: Justin Jefferson sure sounds like he wants Kirk Cousins back as his quarterback; Minnesota's PWHL had a successful debut.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the Wild and their first adversity under new head coach John Hynes. Can they stop a three-game losing streak even without some of their top players? And how much of a difference is there between a top player and a replacement-level player? 7:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Rand for a review of the film from Sunday's 33-10 loss to the Packers. There wasn't much to like in this game, starting with rookie quarterback Jaren Hall and continuing with a poor defensive output. What does that tell us going forward? 24:00: Vikings poetry reveals some apologies and a renewed distaste for a border rival. 36:00: Caitlin Clark did it again, plus some big basketball games this week.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for the first show of 2024, which takes a long look at the Vikings after their 33-10 loss to the Packers on Sunday. Rookie Jaren Hall looked overmatched at quarterback, throwing the quarterback situation again into disarray. But does that mean Kirk Cousins should be the answer in 2024? Plus Reusse and Rand get into the College Football Playoff and one player he really liked on Monday night. They also dive into some recent Timberwolves issues, a notable piece of Gophers volleyball news and the outlook for the Gophers men's basketball team.

Star Tribune writer and editor Jeff Day joins host Michael Rand to pick the 10 best moments in Minnesota sports in 2023. Some of the selections are obvious, some are a surprise and one -- from Rand -- might even be a little petty. But agree or disagree, it was fun to think back on all that happened. Stick around at the end for some bonus talk about big-picture goals for 2024.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand found Thursday night to be a blueprint of sorts for the Wild, Wolves and Gophers men's basketball team -- all of whom won their games. The Wild got huge contributions from their core of young players. The Wolves and Gophers had all five starters in double-figures. Top players logged heavy minutes, but they also produced and earned that time. 9:00: Star Tribune outdoors writer Tony Kennedy joins Rand to discuss the impact of our warm December on a Minnesota winter tradition: ice fishing. Kennedy also looks ahead to some big outdoors stories in early 2024. 24:00: Speaking of big stories in 2024, Rand takes a couple listener questions that lead him deep into next year.

Introduction: The Timberwolves lost at Philadelphia on Wednesday and didn't like the officiating. It felt a little like a game from last season, but we have to remember that even good teams are going to have an off night in an 82-game season -- especially when playing on the road against another goad team. 5:00: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for an evaluation of Kevin O'Connell's performance this season. Neal is bullish on the Vikings coach, giving him credit for holding things together after a tough start and major injuries. Rand concedes those points but still thinks O'Connell has a lot of room for growth as a play caller and overall game manager. Plus thoughts on Gophers signing day and a slow offseason for the Twins. 28:00: T.J. Hockenson on overcoming adversity and the next big thing on P.J. Fleck's offseason agenda.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand certainly didn't expect the Wild to beat the Bruins 4-3 in overtime on Tuesday, but the old cliche "that's why they play the games" was true. In what could have been a moment of fraying in the locker room after an awkward handling of goalies in back-to-back games instead could become a rallying point for the season. Plus, don't expect to see Aaron Rodgers anytime this season. 9:00: Star Tribune writer and editor Jeff Day joins Rand for a look at the Gophers volleyball program after standout Taylor Landfair entered the transfer portal. They will get into a bigger discussion on this era of college sports, too. 34:00: It's national signing day for football players, but does that mean what it used to?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand says the Timberwolves have had a lot of candidates for best win of the season already, including Monday's 112-108 comeback victory in Miami that improved their record to 20-5. At some point, we might have to stop comparing them to last year's team. Plus, will the Wolves and other Minnesota teams eventually wind up on Amazon Prime Video? 9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer helps break down the film of what went wrong in crunch time of Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals -- a setback that put a dent in the Vikings' playoff hopes. And Vikings poetry hopes for another quarterback change. 36:00: A Wild loss and a curious goaltending decision.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included a loss snatched from the jaws of victory in Saturday's Vikings game. A late defensive implosion and two questionable "tush pushes" defined the day and put a dent in the Vikings' playoff hopes. The Wild, meanwhile, stayed hot even amid off-ice questions. The Wolves stayed even hotter, with one opposing coach offering up the highest praise for them. And the Gophers continued to feel the effects of the transfer portal in multiple sports.

Host Michael Rand thought the Wolves might face some true adversity and a losing streak after Dallas blitzed them early in Thursday's game following a loss Monday in New Orleans. Instead, the Wolves calmly responded and won in a blowout and reaffirmed their place in the Western Conference. Plus, the Wild won but there's turmoil in the front office. 8:00: Star Tribune college basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand to talk about the Gophers men's team, recruiting and the return of his Basketball Across Minnesota feature. 33:00: St. Thomas put a scare into Marquette, the Raiders went from 0 to 63 in four days and the Vikings completely reshuffled their quarterback depth chart.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand was somewhat amused by the scuffle between the Bucks and Pacers over who got to keep the official game ball from Wednesday's game. Plus some thoughts on Draymond Green's indefinite suspension. 7:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand ahead of Thursday's game at Dallas, part of a 16-game stretch that will test Minnesota in new ways. Can the Wolves -- and their fans -- navigate this daunting slate of games? 34:00: A bad NFL rule might force us to agree with the Packers.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand does a brief history lesson on Vikings starting quarterbacks, finding that Nick Mullens will be the 42nd different one in team history when he takes a snap Saturday against the Bengals. He will also be their fourth starter this season, which has never happened in Vikings history. A staggering 34 different starting QBs have spanned the John Anderson era with Gophers baseball. The U of M announced Tuesday that he's retiring at the end of the 2024 season. 8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk mainly about a newsy offseason for the Gophers football team. Why did defensive coordinator Joe Rossi leave for Michigan State? And is modern recruiting, both in high schools and the transfer portal, going to make life a lot harder for P.J. Fleck going forward? 32:00: Why didn't the Vikings name a backup QB on Tuesday?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Wolves' loss on Monday at New Orleans, one that was predictable and not yet alarming -- but one that still bears watching. It was the first of 16 straight games against teams above .500, with 11 of those on the road. It's the toughest stretch all year for the Wolves, and they need to maintain their early standard during this stretch. 7:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to break down the film from Sunday's still unbelievable 3-0 win over the Raiders. With so much to like on defense and so much to dislike on offense, what does a review of the game tell us about the Vikings going forward? 24:00: Vikings poetry gets into a deep discussion of just how good defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been this season. Plus a finishing thought on a great week for the Vikings overall.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included this statistical anomaly: The Vikings and Wild both won by identical 3-0 scores on Sunday, something that might have never happened in the history of Minnesota sports. The Vikings' win was punctuated by injuries and more struggles from Joshua Dobbs, who was replaced by Nick Mullens before the Vikings scored their only points of the game. Will Mullens become the Vikings' fourth starting QB in 14 games? Plus Joe Rossi's departure as Gophers defensive coordinator is interesting and could spell even more difficulty in 2024.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand looks at the major money influence in college football, which was brought up again by Gophers coach P.J. Fleck in a news conference ahead of the Quick Lane Bowl. The financial gap is widening in a lot of places, which we were reminded of again when John Rahm signed a deal with LIV Golf for more than $300 million. 8:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a breakdown of the Twins' offseason and this week's Winter Meetings. The Twins are gauging trade interest for mainstays Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco while trying to figure out how to decrease payroll this season. Will deals materialize? And what's the plan in the outfield? 29:00: The Wild's win streak is over, plus a key college hockey series.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand runs through three basketball games Wednesday -- all of them victories of varying magnitudes for the Timberwolves, Gophers men and Gophers women. Ben Johnson thought a lot of Minnesota's win over Nebraska. The Wolves stayed perfect against the NBA's worst teams. And Dawn Plitzuweit's team got a nice road victory. 12:00: Rand breaks down Kevin O'Connell's comments Wednesday on the state of the Vikings' quarterback room and how he came to the decision to keep Josh Dobbs as the starter. 22:00: Your questions about the Wolves, Twins and Gophers get thorough answers.