The Twins and Lynx played into October this year. Both made the postseason, with the Lynx winning their customary odd-year title.
The Vikings were already playing by then, grinding away to a 2-2 start before winning eight straight for a 10-2 record.
The Wild started right around that time, and despite some struggles Minnesota finds itself with a 13-10-3 record. The NHL says that's a winning record, so we will too.
The Wolves debuted in mid-October. They, too, have had some ups and downs but they also have a winning record at this moment.
Gophers men's basketball? Winning record and a top-15 ranking. Gophers women's basketball? Off to a surprising 8-1 start. Gophers volleyball? Just advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16.
That's a lot of success. I can't recall another time when all five of those pro teams were either coming off winning seasons or had winning records in December.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
