Item: If Carolina beats the New York Giants on Sunday and the Vikings win their final two games against the Atlanta Falcons and Giants, the Vikings will have the NFC's second playoff seed and a first-round bye.

I think: You already knew that. But did you also know that Brad Childress deserves consideration for coach of the year if the Vikings win the NFC North with an 11-5 record? Even his most venomous critics would have to give Childress his props if he takes the Vikings to the playoffs, particularly if they have the No. 2 seed.

Item: The Timberwolves are winless in six games under Kevin McHale.

I think: McHale is finding out firsthand what Randy Wittman knew better than anyone: There's not nearly enough talent on the team to be anything but lousy. And that's the fault of the guy in charge of assembling it: McHale.

Item: The University of Minnesota men's basketball team plays ninth-ranked Louisville on Saturday.

I think: It's the biggest game of Tubby Smith's brief tenure with the Gophers. Besides giving the Gophers a gauge of just how good they are -- whether they win or lose -- a victory would catapult them into the national rankings as well as into the national consciousness.

Item: Marian Gaborik had a goal and an assist in his first game back after missing 27 games because of an injury.

I think: It's difficult not to be cynical and wonder how long it will be before he is sidelined because of yet another injury.