TIPSHEET

KNOW THIS

Here's an indication of the Wild's lofty perch this season — and the respect it is commanding from the rival Blackhawks. In a recent Chicago Sun-Times piece, Patrick Kane called Wednesday's game at Xcel Energy Center the "biggest game of the year" for Chicago.

WATCH THIS

So yeah, if one of the best players for one of the NHL's best teams declares a game against the Wild to be that important, you should probably watch it. Blackhawks at Wild, 7 p.m., NBCSN.

RANDOM FANDOM

"Stay put and find those true diamonds in the rough that are there in later rounds. Look at the current world champs: they are able to parlay late picks and people off the street into a pretty decent team."

"duckman1958" commenting on the Vikings' draft strategy at startribune.com.

TWEETED

"I just realized ppl are really mad that I got a ring. I thought everyone would be happy for me. Oh well. I'm a champion!!" — Patriots WR Michael Floyd

@MichaelMFloyd