THE BUZZ It's a hat trick for former Wild head coach Jacques Lemaire. He is back for his third stint as the head coach of the suddenly woeful New Jersey Devils.
REMOTE PATROL If you can tear yourself away from the parade of Christmas movies, watch the Wild's first game ever as it is rebroadcast (7 p.m., FSN).
Click pick A Twitter feud between Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (surprise!) and SI's Peter King ensued Thursday. The debate was (seriously) about directional punting.
STAR GAZING A disappointing third season for O.J. Mayo (the Kevin Love trade keeps looking better) got worse when his dad was charged with attempted murder.
FAST FACT Since starting 10-1 last season, the Vikings have gone 8-13 in their past 21 games (including playoffs). That includes 3-4 last season and 5-9 this year.
