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The success of 2024 arrived by surprise, and now coaches are focused on wringing as much from the opportunity as possible. "Finish what we got to finish," that's the message for three more weeks.

Lindsey Vonn took a low-risk approach and finished 14th in a super-G on Saturday to mark her return to World Cup skiing at age 40.

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.