Reader Brian Roberts checked in Monday morning with a blast of research that will not improve the moods of Minnesota sports fans but will put into context the last dozen-plus years of playoff futility among the four major men's professional teams.
He went back to 2000 — the Wild's first year in the NHL — to look at each team's playoff history. It's so bleak that the Timberwolves actually come out looking the best of all the teams. After double-checking the facts, here is a look at each team:
Timberwolves
Playoff history since 2000: 10-6 at home, 3-12 on the road; 13-18 overall
Last home win: 2004 vs. the Lakers
Most memorable playoff win: 2004 Game 7 victory over Sacramento in Western Conference semifinals at Target Center.
Sobering thought that will make you cringe: Though the Timberwolves have the best home playoff record since 2000 among these four teams, their road record is particularly dismal. And let's not forget that their last home victory in a playoff game was also their last opportunity to win a win a home playoff game since, you know, they haven't made it back to the playoffs since then.
Twins
Playoff history since 2000: 2-11 at home, 4-10 on the road; 6-21 overall
Last home win: 2002 vs. Anaheim
![JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com NEW YORK - 10/9/10 - The Minnesota Twins tried to keep their pennant race alive when they face the New York Yankees in game three of their American League Divisional Series game at Yankee Stadium Saturday night in the Bronx. IN THIS PHOTO: ] Twins manager Ron Gardenhire consoled starter Brian Duensing after he pulled him in the fourth inning.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CALC7PCSH7QINQGRO2TDG2APW4.jpg?&w=1080)
![Erik Haula (56) at the end of the game. St. Louis Blues beat Minnesota 4-3. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com - April 22, 2017, St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Center, NHL, Stanley Cup Playoffs, Game 5, Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/U3WRA3XUZQDIAWHTABUW3BBD6Y.jpg?&w=1080)
