SB Nation Minnesota: All Posts by Steven Mumahttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48959/mn-fave.png2013-01-07T07:40:05-06:00https://minnesota.sbnation.com/authors/steven-muma/rss2013-01-07T07:40:05-06:002013-01-07T07:40:05-06:00Wild prepare for return to action
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<p>Now that the league's labor strife is over, the Minnesota Wild can look ahead to their return to the ice, which is less than two weeks away.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Minnesota Wild</a> don't know what their schedule looks like just yet, but like the rest of the teams in the league, they've been informed that <a href="https://twitter.com/Real_ESPNLeBrun/status/288127980591534080">a Jan. 19 start date is most likely</a>. The league could get its 48-game regular season underway on Jan. 15, but that depends on how quickly the new <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2013/1/6/3698624/nhl-lockout-over-ends-2012-2013/in/3605895">agreement between the NHL and NHLPA</a> is ratified.</p>
<p>The NHL also informed its franchises that<a href="https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/288123260741246976"> training camp cannot open until Saturday</a> at the earliest, and that could be postponed until next Monday. The NHL's Board of Governors<a href="https://twitter.com/Real_ESPNLeBrun/status/288122932197199873"> meets in New York City on Wednesday</a> to vote on the labor agreement, and the timeline may become more concrete after that.</p>
<p>The Wild could have their schedule <a href="https://twitter.com/Aportzline/status/288121345785622528">in a few days</a>, though no official release date has been announced by the NHL. The lockout cost every team in the league 34 regular season games.</p>
<p>Minnesota is coming off a 35-36-11 campaign in 2011-12.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-wild/2013/1/7/3845106/nhl-lockout-over-minnesota-wild-scheduleSteven Muma2013-01-07T07:10:02-06:002013-01-07T07:10:02-06:00Vikings to pick 23rd in NFL Draft
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<p>Minnesota's draft position is set now that it is no longer in the playoffs. A couple of other teams that lost in the Wild Card round ended up ahead of the Vikings. </p> <p>Now that the Wild Card round of the 2013 NFL playoffs is complete, four additional slots in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/6/3844476/current-nfl-draft-order-2013">NFL Draft order</a> have been determined. The Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts were eliminated from the postseason, and now the first 24 selections of the upcoming draft are set.</p>
<p>The Vikings, who were eliminated by Green Bay on Saturday night, will pick at No. 23 in the first round. The Bengals got the No. 21 pick, while the Rams receive Washington's pick at No. 22 as compensation for the draft-day trade that netted the Redskins Robert Griffin III last year. The Colts will pick 24th.</p>
<p>Here's a look at the complete <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/6/3844476/current-nfl-draft-order-2013">2013 NFL draft order</a> as it stands now:</p>
<p>1. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (2-14) <br>2. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (2-14) <br>3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> (4-12) <br>4. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> (4-12) <br>5. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> (4-12) <br>6. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> (5-11) <br>7. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> (5-11) <br>8. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (6-10) <br>9. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> (6-10) <br>10. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> (6-10)<br>11. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> (7-9) <br>12. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> (7-9) <br>13. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> (7-9) <br>14. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> (7-9) <br>15. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> (7-9) <br>16. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> (7-8-1) <br>17. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (8-8) <br>18. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> (8-8) <br>19. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> (9-7) <br>20. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> (10-6) <br>21. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (10-6) <br>22. St. Louis Rams (via <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>) (10-6) <br>23. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> (10-6) <br>24. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> (11-5)</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2013/1/7/3844938/current-nfl-draft-order-2013-vikingsSteven Muma2013-01-07T07:00:51-06:002013-01-07T07:00:51-06:00Minnesota tops latest college hockey poll
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<p>The Gophers took the top spot in the new USCHO.com rankings following a decisive victory over Boston College. </p> <p>The Minnesota Gophers have ascended to the top spot in the latest <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/icehockey-men/d1">USCHO.com college hockey poll</a>. An 8-1 victory over then-No. 1 Boston College on Dec. 30 helped Minnesota move up from fourth to first, while the Eagles slipped down to No. 2. Notre Dame, New Hampshire and Quinnipiac round out the top five.</p>
<p>Here's the complete top 10:</p>
<p>1. Minnesota (35 first-place votes)<br>2. Boston College (5)<br>3. Notre Dame (9)<br>4. New Hampshire<br>5. Quinnipiac<br>6. Miami<br>7. North Dakota <br>8. Dartmouth (1)<br>9. Boston University<br>10. Western Michigan</p>
<p>Elsewhere in the poll, Minnesota State checks in at No. 14, while St. Cloud State is No. 15. Ferris State, Harvard and Colgate each dropped out of this week's top 20.</p>
<p>The Gophers will have their No. 1 ranking tested in the coming weeks, as they have games against Notre Dame, North Dakota, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State on the horizon. Minnesota split a home-and-home series with Minnesota State back in early November.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-hockey/2013/1/7/3844724/2013-ncaa-hockey-rankings-standings-minnesotaSteven Muma2013-01-06T20:23:42-06:002013-01-06T20:23:42-06:00Minnesota takes care of Northwestern
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<p>A strong second half effort helped Minnesota pull away from Northwestern and stay undefeated in Big Ten play. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> increased their winning streak to 10 games with <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201301060363">a 69-51 victory</a> over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/northwestern-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Northwestern Wildcats</a> 69-51 on Sunday night. The Gophers are now 14-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play.</p>
<p>Both teams struggled to score in the first half, and Minnesota led just 17-14 at halftime. The Gophers picked up their scoring after the break, and a 52-point outburst over the final 20 minutes helped them pull away from the Wildcats. Northwestern's offense also became more effective after halftime, but it was not able to match the pace set by Minnesota.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145699/andre-hollins" class="sbn-auto-link">Andre Hollins</a> led all scorers with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting and was the only Gophers player to reach double figures. Twelve different Minnesota players scored in the game. As a team, the Gophers shot 50 percent from the field.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99912/reggie-hearn" class="sbn-auto-link">Reggie Hearn</a> led Northwestern with 11 points, while <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145864/tre-demps" class="sbn-auto-link">Tre Demps</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/145863/dave-sobolewski" class="sbn-auto-link">Dave Sobolewski</a> both scored 10. The Wildcats shot 39.2 percent from the field as a team.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2013/1/6/3844542/minnesota-vs-northwestern-final-score-recapSteven Muma2012-12-30T22:06:28-06:002012-12-30T22:06:28-06:00Gophers beat BC in battle of top-5 teams
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<p>Minnesota picked up an easy victory over the nation's top-ranked team on Sunday night. </p> <p>The Minnesota Golden Gophers jumped out to a quick start against the Boston College Eagles on Sunday night as they cruised to an 8-1 victory in the Mariucci Classic. The victory improved Minnesota's record to 13-3-3 this season while Boston College fell to 12-3-1.These two teams last met in the 2012 Frozen Four.</p>
<p>Minnesota's Nick Bjugstad got the scoring started with a goal less than three minutes into the game, and the Gophers would take a 3-0 lead into the first intermission. Things would only get worse for the Eagles from there, as Minnesota built a 7-0 advantage before Boston College finally got on the scoreboard. Sam Warning gave Minnesota its eighth and final goal at 14:24 of the third period.</p>
<p>Boston College committed eight penalties in the game, and Minnesota capitalized by converting on four power play opportunities. The Gophers also out-shot BC and had the edge in the faceoff circle.</p>
<p>The Eagles came into the contest <a href="http://www.uscho.com/rankings/">ranked No. 1 in the nation</a>, while the Gophers came in at No. 4. Minnesota returns to the ice for a home game against Notre Dame on Jan. 8.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-hockey/2012/12/30/3820070/boston-college-minnesota-college-hockey-final-score-recapSteven Muma2012-12-30T20:28:02-06:002012-12-30T20:28:02-06:00Vikings vs. Packers set for Saturday night
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<p>Fresh off a win over Green Bay in Week 17, the Vikings will turn around and head to Lambeau Field for an opening-round playoff game against the Packers.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron_Nagler/status/285566541880238081">will meet at 7 p.m. CT next Saturday</a> in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on NBC. Minnesota earned the NFC's No. 6 playoff seed with a last-second 37-34 victory over the Packers in Week 17.</p>
<p>In that victory, <span>Adrian Peterson</span> had another big day, rushing for 199 yards and falling just nine yards short of Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing yardage record. Peterson has more than 400 yards rushing in two games against Green Bay this season; he piled up 210 yards on 21 carries when Minnesota last played at Lambeau Field, though his team lost the game.</p>
<p>Minnesota finished the regular season on a four-game winning streak thanks in large part to Peterson's efforts, ultimately edging the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a> for the final Wild Card spot.</p>
<p>Green Bay finished the regular season 11-5 and won the NFC North, which earned it the No. 3 NFC playoff seed.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/12/30/3819738/nfl-playoff-schedule-vikings-packersSteven Muma2012-12-17T08:25:04-06:002012-12-17T08:25:04-06:00Ponder gets Vikings off to quick start
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<p>Christian Ponder completed his first three passes Sunday, which helped the Minnesota Vikings find the end zone on their opening possession. </p> <p><span>Christian Ponder</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> got off to a quick start Sunday, scoring a touchdown on their first drive of the game. Ponder completed all three of his pass attempts on the drive and also scrambled to convert a fourth down inside the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> 10.</p>
<p><span>Adrian Peterson</span> was stuffed several times on the possession, but <a href="http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Notebook_Thank_you_Sam_Bradford_says_Everson_Griffen_after_pick6121612">Ponder was able to cap things off with a five-yard touchdown run.</a> He caromed off a Rams player during the scramble, got his balance back and dove into the end zone.</p>
<p>"I just kind of reacted," Ponder said. "I didn't get pulled down and luckily was able to make a play. Someone else ran right in front of me. I think they were covering Adrian or somebody, and I think they could have easily made the tackle but didn't and was able to score."</p>
<p>After St. Louis evened the score at seven, Minnesota reeled off 26 unanswered points to take control of the game. The Vikings improved to 8-6 with the victory, which helped keep their playoff hopes alive.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/12/17/3775402/vikings-vs-rams-christian-ponderSteven Muma2012-12-17T08:15:03-06:002012-12-17T08:15:03-06:00Adrian Peterson keeps rolling
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<p>Adrian Peterson racked up more than 200 yards rushing for the second time in three weeks during Minnesota's win over St. Louis on Sunday.</p> <p><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> running back <span>Adrian Peterson</span> had another big day Sunday, rushing for a season-high 212 yards, which pushed his rushing yardage total for the season over 1,800. Peterson began the season a bit slowly as he continued to work his way back to full health from the major left knee injury he suffered last year. But it didn't take Peterson long to return to form as a major impact player, and his teammates have been impressed by the speed with which he recovered.</p>
<p>"It's unreal. I haven't seen anything like it," <a href="http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/After_slow_start_Adrian_Peterson_got_back_to_being_an_assassin121612">cornerback Antoine Winfield said</a>. "I have been around a lot of football, seen a lot of great players, but he is number one on my list."</p>
<p>Peterson has eclipsed 200 yards rushing in two of the Vikings' last three games, and he's gone for at least 100 yards in eight consecutive games. He is averaging 6.3 yards per carry this season.</p>
<p>The Vikings return to the field in Week 16 for a game against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a>.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/12/17/3775136/adrian-peterson-vikings-Steven Muma2012-12-10T07:15:32-06:002012-12-10T07:15:32-06:00A.J. Jefferson hurt in Vikings win
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Minnesota defensive back A.J. Jefferson collided with a teammate late in his team's win Sunday and suffered a concussion as a result. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> cornerback <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21337604/postgame-analysis-vikings-21-bears-14">A.J. Jefferson suffered a concussion</a> late in his team's 21-14 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> on Sunday. The injury occurred when Jefferson collided with one of his teammates, and may have been knocked unconscious. Head coach Leslie Frazier said after the game that Jefferson would undergo further evaluation during the week. </p>
<p>Jefferson is in his first season with the Vikings and his third in the NFL. He has made five starts this year and appeared in 12 games, missing only the season-opener against Jacksonville. He made four tackles against the Bears and has 22 for the season.</p>
<p>Prior to joining the Vikings, Jefferson spent two seasons with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, where he made seven starts and appeared in 18 games, including all 16 last season. Over the course of his career, he has collected 89 tackles and one interception.</p>
<p>The Vikings return to the field to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> on Dec. 16.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2012/12/10/3749642/nfl-injury-report-vikings-week-14Steven Muma2012-12-10T07:08:09-06:002012-12-10T07:08:09-06:00Timberwolves among NBA's winners over weekend
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<p>The Timberwolves picked up an easy win over the Cavaliers on Friday to get back to .500. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> 91-73 to improve their record to 9-9 on the season. Minnesota has won three of its last four games and sits in third place in the Northwest Division behind Oklahoma City and Utah.</p>
<p>Elsewhere in NBA weekend action, Oklahoma City held off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> on Friday, 119-114. Including their win on Sunday, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> have won eight games in a row and are tied with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> for the best record in the NBA.</p>
<p>Golden State picked up a road win at Brooklyn on Friday, while the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a> fell in overtime to Philadelphia.</p>
<p>On Saturday, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Bulls</a> picked up a 93-85 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a>, and the Spurs scored 132 points on their way to victory in Charlotte. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> had no trouble with New Orleans and Atlanta won its third consecutive game.</p>
<p>Utah beat the Lakers on Sunday, while Brooklyn lost another home game. The Knicks and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Magic</a> won their games, as did the aforementioned Thunder.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-timberwolves/2012/12/10/3749554/nba-scores-2012-timberwolvesSteven Muma