State of hockey?

OK, OK, OK, OK, OK, OK, OK, OK.

This really is the state of hockey. It's not just a self-serving slogan.

There are two Minnesotas when it comes to winter sports. There are regions of the state where basketbal rules, and there are those where every backyard holds a homemade rink.

This winter, this is the state of...you know.

The Wild is on a remarkable run that will lead to a bound-to-be-compelling playoff.

Gopher men's hockey has righted itself and made the NCAA tournament, where it will face Minnesota-Duluth and share a field with No. 1 Minnesota State-Mankato and St. Cloud State.

Gopher women's hockey won its third title in four years on Sunday at Ridder Arena. (My piece on goalie Amanda Leveille is here).

So, until further notice, this is the state of hockey - a state filled with great arenas and great teams.

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Tonight my guest will be former St. John's quarterback, keen football observer and relentless world traveler Tom Linnemann, at 5 p.m. at The Local on SouhanUnfiltered.com. We're going to talk about Peterson, Bridgewater, Zimmer, the draft, Melrose's state title in basketball (Tom's an alum), and what it was like for him to surf in Australia, or slum in Viet Nam, or live in Toronto, or return to Minnesota. I guarantee a great conversation.

You can drop by or listen live or later at SouhanUnfiltered.com.