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Kevin O'Connell, as head coach, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, as general manager, didn't just trend toward perfection these past 12 months. They achieved it.

Minnesota hadn't even lost two straight until this homestand, when the Wild went 1-4. Next up in a tough stretch is league-leading Winnipeg on Saturday.

The Jets, though barely beyond .500 in their past 10 games, lead the NHL, and they've defeated the Wild seven times in a row.

Vikings running back Cam Akers didn't believe his playing days might be over after a second Achilles tear by age 25. His self-belief has him back in Minnesota in a key role for a playoff-bound team.

U of M Gophers defeat Prairie View A&M 96-57.

Smith has a foot injury sustained Monday night, coach Kevin O'Connell said. Meanwhile, quarterback Geno Smith is set to start for the Seahawks.

Two standouts for Minnesota were Tori McKinney (17 points) and Annika Stewart (20), as Prairie View A&M fell to 2-6.

Cody Lindenberg, who has one year of college eligibility remaining, is leaving the Gophers after a standout junior season.

Kepler was the longest-tenured Twins player after signing with the team as a 16-year-old in 2009.

After a blowout loss to the Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns on Thursday, Anthony Edwards bemoaned the Wolves' lack of offensive identity. But the reality is Minnesota hasn't had a true offensive identity in years.