StribSports Daily Delivery

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Wednesday's Wolves victory, one of the wildest games you will ever watch. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the weekly debate. This week focuses on the Twins, Gophers hockey and J.J. McCarthy. 32:00: Running through some listener emails.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's loss at Tampa Bay, a big Wolves game tonight against Houston and the introduction of Brett Larson as the Gophers new men's hockey coach. 10:00: Bobby Nightengale joins for a Twins season preview segment. All signs point to a rebuilding year. Is there any hope to compete? 32:00: A huge high school basketball upset.

Standout senior Dothan Ijadimbola and head coach Nick Carroll from Totino-Grace boys basketball join Michael Rand on this special edition ahead of Wednesday's Class 3A boys basketball tournament.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Gophers hockey vacancies. The women's job has been filled by in-house candidate Greg May. Candidates for the men's job might not have the same profile that fans would want. What does that mean about the searches and the jobs themselves? 12:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk mainly about the Sweet 16-bound Gophers women's basketball team. Plus some Wolves thoughts as well. 35:00: Can there be joy watching the Twins this year?

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand started Monday's show on a very somber note. Local NHL writer and podcaster Jessi Pierce died in a house fire along with her three children over the weekend. Her personality and love of hockey will long be remembered, and the grief in the hockey community is palpable. The action on the court and ice was a secondary thought all weekend, but it was a good one for Minnesota teams. The Gophers women's basketball team reached the Sweet 16 with a dramatic win over Ole Miss. The Wolves won a gritty game at Boston. And the Wild beat the Stars.

Introduction: Michael Rand starts with another uh-oh game for the Wild. This time it was a rare loss to Chicago, and it came with star Kirill Kaprizov sidelined by an injury. 9:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to talk about the upheaval in the Gophers men's and women's hockey programs. 30:00: St. Thomas has an opportunity.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the news that Bob Motzko is out as Gophers men's hockey coach. Is there a trend in how AD Mark Coyle makes high-profile coaching decisions? Plus another Wolves win without Ant. 11:00: Susan Sheridan Tucker from the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling joins the show to explore prediction markets. Why are they allowed to operate what essentially feel like sports betting sites even in states (like Minnesota) that don't have legalized sports betting? 33:00: Carson Wentz is back with the Vikings.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the WNBA's new labor agreement and what it means in the next several weeks for the Lynx. Plus a coaching shakeup with the Gophers and some Vikings free agency news. 11:00: Strib Varsity's Alicia Tipcke joins the show to go inside her season-long video feature on Providence Academy star Maddyn Greenway. 29:00: The Wolves and Wild picked up much-needed wins while Venezuela conquered the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic.

Host Michael Rand starts with a gloomy time in Minnesota sports. He ranks his top five concerns among the Twins, Loons, Gophers, Wild and Wolves. 8:00: Chris Hine joins Rand for a long examination of the Timberwolves. 34:00: Is it finally time for the Wolves to join the Eastern Conference?

Star Tribune columnist joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included more struggles for the Wild and Timberwolves. Both teams have visions of a playoff run. Both are playing so poorly right now that such a thing seems far-fetched. Plus the Gophers women's basketball team is hosting in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 21 years and Reusse weighs in on Kyler Murray.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings for $1.3 million. It's one of the biggest steals in NFL free agency history, and Murray is already "one of us." 12:00: Chip Scoggins joins the show to talk about the U of M declining to disclose how it is paying athletes, the rough stretch for the Wolves and Murray's fit in Minnesota. 34:00: The Wolves need to turn things around.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Kyler Murray, who is meeting with Vikings on Thursday. Will they get a deal done as expected, or is this process going to drag out? The QB and team do seem like an ideal match for each other. Plus are the Wolves in trouble? 12:00: Bobby Nightengale Jr. joins Rand from Ft. Myers where the Twins are just two weeks away from Opening Day. There might not be a lot of competition for starting spots, but that doesn't mean the roster is settled. 33:00: The Gophers men's hockey season is over, and the Gophers men's basketball team might be done.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who blasted Utah 5-0 on Tuesday. That stood in sharp contrast to the Wolves getting crushed by the Lakers. They seem like two teams going in opposite directions at the moment. 9:00: Andrew Krammer joins the show to break down the first two days of Vikings free agency and set up what could be a big Wednesday. Is this the day that Kyler Murray signs here? 31:00: It's now or never for Gophers men's hockey.

On a special edition of Daily Delivery, host Michael Rand welcomes in standout guard Audrey Shindelar and head coach Tanner Teige from the Class 3A No. 1 seeded Stewartville girls basketball team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand breaks down a relatively quiet but still impactful first day of NFL free agency. The Vikings agreed to terms with a new corner but lost receiver Jalen Nailor and punter Ryan Wright. And it might be until at least Wednesday until we find out about any quarterback addition. 11:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to break down all the team's new additions from the trade deadline. 33:00: A big four-game road trip for the Wolves.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at Minnesota sports. They start with NFL free agency and the Vikings, with a lot of news expected Monday. Plus thoughts on the state high school hockey tournament, the Wild, Wolves, Gophers, St. Thomas and more.

A whole lot of gopher hockey talk at the beginning of the show followed by a great segment with Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the death of former Gophers coach Lou Holtz at age 89. Plus the Vikings keep hinting at undoing much of what they did in 2025. 7:00: Dane Moore, who covers the Wolves via "The Dane Moore NBA Podcast," joins the show. He and Rand get into Moore's recent viral moment after denying ESPN access to a video he shot. Plus great insights into the Kyle Anderson acquisition and how the Wolves might stack up in the playoffs. 55:00: Parting thoughts on the Gophers and high school hockey.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, Wolves and Vikings leaning in on veteran help. The Wild made two moves for 30-year-olds and could make a bigger one for another veteran. The Wolves slipped Kyle Anderson into their veteran-heavy rotation. The Vikings are a prime candidate to land Kyler Murray after trying youth at QB. 13:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for a look at how big the Wild might swing at the trade deadline (even after Tuesday's move), revisionist history on the Vikings draft plus some Gophers women's hockey talk. 35:00: The Gophers women's basketball team has remarkable balance.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with rumblings about the Wild at the trade deadline. They've already dealt away a lot of their recent premium draft capital. Will they make one more all-in move? 9:00: Star Tribune Vikings writer Emily Leiker joins the show with reports from her time at the NFL Combine last week in Indianapolis. What are the Vikings looking at in the draft? And what about the all-important QB question? 38:00: A final thought on the Vikings' ideal QB setup in 2026.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the weekend in Minnesota sports. On tap: Gophers basketball, Timberwolves, Wild, Twins and Loons. Noticeably absent: Any Vikings talk.

The Minnesota high school boys hockey state tournament brackets are out, and Daily Delivery host Michael Rand is joined by Moorhead senior Tyden Bergeson for his reaction to the field. Moorhead is the defending Class 2A champion and is seeded No. 2 this year. The Spuds will face Lakeville South in the quarterfinals Thursday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Anthony Edwards' game-sealing shot in Thursday's Wolves win. He got in Chris Finch's face afterward, a power move after a clutch shot over a double team. What does it mean? 9:00: Bobby Nightengale Jr. joins the show from Fort Myers, where the Twins are dealing with another pitching injury (this time to David Festa). Where does that leave their starting depth and pecking order? 29:00: The Wild had a big win over the Avs.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a long look at process vs. results to figure out where all the Minnesota pro teams stand. 12:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins to talk Vikings, Wild and Minnesota United. 33:00: Taylor Heise on the Olympic hockey controversy and a listener email about youth sports.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with comments from Vikings officials Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that give us even more clarity about their QB plan in 2026. Plus a good Wolves win and a good Gophers ... loss? 14:00: The Star Tribune's Sarah McLellan joins for a look at the gold medal-winning Team USA men's hockey team, the Wild's impact at the Olympics and the stretch run of the NHL season. 33:00: Former Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay is out already at West Brom.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins and some hopeful signs of spring. 6:00: Purple Insider's Matthew Coller joins for a long segment on the Vikings. The NFL Scouting Combine starts this week, and we might start to learn more about their future plans. Right now, everything at QB is in play. 50:00: A listener email about a Vikings trade proposal.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started with the U.S. men's hockey team and its surprising (but not miraculous) victory over Canada in the Olympic gold medal game Sunday. Wild players dominated throughout the tournament. Plus thoughts on the Timberwolves, Gophers and more.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Olympics heating up with curling, hockey and tons of other storylines. Plus some interesting numbers on Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. 11:00: Star Tribune Wolves beat writer Chris Hine joins to set up the post-break schedule for the Wolves and talk about the return of veteran guard Mike Conley. 28:00: The Twins and Loons are so back.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a pair of big wins for Team USA and the Gophers women's basketball team. 7:00: La Velle E. Neal III on the Twins, Olympic Curling and the Vikings. 31:00: FanDuel Sports North and a never-ending hockey game.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with another program-building win for the Gophers men's basketball team as well as a big week for the women's basketball team. 8:00: Bobby Nightengale joins from Fort Myers where it has been a busy spring already for the Twins. In focus: the impact of Pablo Lopez's season-ending elbow injury, the fallout from the offseason with Byron Buxton and messaging from Tom Pohlad. 31:00: A big day for Minnesota Olympians.

On a special edition of Daily Delivery, host Michael Rand checks in with Bemidji girls' hockey star Bailey Rupp. She helped Bemidji to the girls' hockey state tournament for the first time since 2007, where they will face Edina in Thursdays' Class 2A quarterfinals.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Pablo Lopez leaving a spring training throwing session with elbow pain. It's too early to be too concerned, but it is worth remember that it was a Lopez injury that sent the Twins' season off the rails in 2025. Plus a big night for the Heise family. 8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to talk about the Gophers women's basketball team's surge. They've won eight in a row and just cracked the AP top 25. 28:00: The best time of the year for high school hockey.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. In focus: Byron Buxton's comments from spring training, an Olympic curling controversy, the excellent Gophers women's basketball team and the fate of the Wolves.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand goes through all that has happened in the month-plus since we last heard from Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. 7:00: Bobby Nightengale has a thorough Twins report from spring training in Florida. 27:00: The Gophers women's basketball team keeps stacking wins.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Afton skier Jessie Diggins, who reached down deep and won a bronze medal Thursday in the 10K freestyle. It was another career-defining moment for Diggins. Plus another good Wolves win heading into the break. 9:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand to talk about the Olympics, the Timberwolves, the Twins and Minnesota United. 28:00: Liam Hendriks is back with the Twins. In a different era, would he ever have left?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a look at Sportico's valuations of all 154 teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS. It reveals a lot about Minnesota franchises, among other things. 11:00: Chris Hine joins the show for a long look at the Timberwolves. With one more game before the All-Star break, where do they stand? 37:00: Get your hockey fix with the Olympics.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves, who once again zigged when we were expecting them to zag. 6:00: Ben Goessling joins for a long Vikings discussion ahead of a very interesting offseason.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. The Super Bowl was dull just like the NFL season, but Sam Darnold has a ring. Lindsey Vonn made one more try down the hill. And the Wolves are a mess. Will it cost Chris Finch? Plus all sorts of Gophers sports.

Host Michael Rand breaks down and grades the Wolves' trade deadline moves. How did they do? Plus Larry Fitzgerald Jr. to the Hall of Fame and a huge win at Iowa for the Gophers women's basketball team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand got in just under the wire, delaying the start of the show to get the Wolves trade with the Bulls for Ayo Dosunmu in. The Wolves sent out four second-round picks as well as Rob Dillingham and Leonard Miller to get Dosnumu, a guard who should help their depth. Plus good wins for the Wolves, Gophers and Wild. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a debate on the Wolves plus Minnesota United speculation and Olympics news. 30:00: Is Giannis staying put?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves trade of Mike Conley. Is this just a salary dump of a once-useful player, or is it a precursor to a blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday's NBA trade deadline? Rand gets into that as well as an ode to Conley. 8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins on a number of subjects, including Derek Falvey's departure from the Twins as well as the Vikings' path forward. 34:00: A listener wants more attention paid to one local team, and he's not wrong.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves and Wild. The Wolves snapped a four-game winning streak with a loss at Memphis that left head coach Chris Finch exasperated. But it is par for the course from recent years near the trade deadline. The Wild won 4-3 in overtime, continuing a recent trend of winning despite giving up a lot of goals. 7:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand to discuss the aftermath of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah being fired by the Vikings on Friday. 33:00: A Justin Jefferson quote and more Patriots Hall of Fame fallout.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. At the top of the list is the fallout from Friday's big news, with Derek Falvey and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah both out of jobs. Plus the Wolves, Gophers and a Reusse pickleball rant.

Michael Rand ties together Friday's stunning news at the jump and then welcomes in Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the report that the Wolves are one of four teams in the mix to trade for Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. What would it take and would it be worth it? Plus the Wolves beat the Thunder, the Wild beat the Flames and a major record was set in high school basketball. 13:00: Randy Johnson joins to talk about the struggles of the Gophers men's hockey team and the Gophers football schedule. 28:00: NFL coordinator news and a Lindsey Vonn crash.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a busy night of events on Wednesday. The Wolves showed off seldom-used depth in beating the Mavericks. The Gophers men's basketball again suffered from a lack of depth. The Gophers women and Frost cruised to wins. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins to talk about Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub, a lingering 2024 Vikings draft question and the Twins' 2026 spending plan. 30:00: A Twins trade.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's continued mastery of the Chicago Blackhawks, the Gophers football schedule and an opportunity for the Gophers women's basketball team. 7:00: Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joins Rand on three very different aspects of the team. First, purely basketball as they talk about depth and the approaching trade deadline. Second, the atmosphere inside Target Center over the weekend after another killing in Minneapolis. Third, the mood of season ticket holders. 36:00: Two good letters from listeners on the Vikings and Twins.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with news that the Washington Commanders are hiring Vikings defensive assistant Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator. It's been an interesting hiring cycle. Plus the Twins avoided arbitration with Joe Ryan. 7:00: Twins controlling owner Tom Pohlad shares his thoughts on the organization's path forward, how fans feel about his family and payroll in 2026 and beyond. 11:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to dissect Pohlad's recent comments and to talk about his recent story on Wolves + Lynx CEO Matt Caldwell. 35:00: The Wolves snapped their losing streak.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, including New England and Seattle prevailing in conference title games to set up a Super Bowl matchup. Rand frames it as the battle between the QB the Vikings used to have (Sam Darnold) and the QB they wish they could have drafted (Drake Maye). Plus a look at at the slumping Wolves and the Twins' leadership transformation.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand notes the Wolves loss to Chicago and the Wild's win over Detroit and frames them up. It comes down to this: The Wild have all the pieces they need to compete. They just need to stay healthy. The Wolves are largely healthy but need one more piece to compete. 10:00: Andrew Krammer on Brian Flores, the Vikings' offensive line and this weekend's conference title games. 31:00: Two interesting developments on the Flores watch.

Host Michael Rand starts with two pieces of good news that could just be temporary: Brian Flores signed a contract extension with the Vikings, but he can still leave for a head coaching job. The Lynx schedule was released, but there might not be a WNBA season. Plus a quality win for the Gophers women's basketball team. 7:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins for the Daily Delivery debate. In focus: Does Indiana put pressure on the Gophers? When will we learn our lesson with the Wolves? And do we need to focus more on the Vikings in the trenches instead of QB? 33:00: The Wolves raised season ticket prices, and we all got a lesson in economics.