If Pacific Division Teams Were... NFL Teams (And Which One Would the Vegas Golden Knights Be?)

What's the one thing bigger than the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas? The only thing larger than the beloved hockey team is the NFL, which is having its postseason right now. That means you'll see plenty of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Christian McCaffrey.

But that brings up an excellent thought: Which Pacific Division team would resemble specific NFL teams? Think about it: the Super Bowl is being held in Las Vegas this year. It's a fun thought to have, especially if you want to have a giggle or two. Who gets to be the Dallas Cowboys?? Stay tuned.

But let's visit that thought for a second. Every Pacific Division team will be examined and assessed as an NFL team closely related to their style. With that, it's time to draw some parallels and see which team in the Pacific lines up with in the NFL sphere. Set hut!

1. Vegas Golden Knights

Let's start with the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. The champs tend to dominate the competition convincingly, mainly behind their franchise player (Jack Eichel). They also play a defensive style that allows them to generate offense, making them an incredible threat.

So why not the Kansas City Chiefs? The Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champs, are run well by their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, and have a stellar defense. Plus, Bill Foley has run the franchise well and has built an incredible culture akin to the Hunt family.

The parallel to the Chiefs was obvious, given the defending champions' angle. However, there are more layers to it. The Chiefs allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL this season (17.3) and have been a force in the playoffs. Therefore, Golden Knights, meet the Chiefs. I hope you modern-day powerhouses can become good acquaintances.

2. Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have scored the most goals in the NHL this season (170), making them one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. Whether it's Quinn Hughes (42 assists), Brock Boeser (27 goals), or J.T. Miller (20 goals, 41 assists), the 'Nucks have many ways of beating you.

The Detroit Lions also have a similar offense, with numerous weapons such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. In fact, the Lions are fifth in the NFL in average points scored this season (27.1). Detroit loves to beat their opponents with an onslaught, which is similar to the Canucks.

Plus, Vancouver has an emerging core like Detroit. Led by Hughes, who's also a former Michigan Wolverine, the Canucks are quickly rising up the ranks and becoming must-see TV. Also, both the Lions and 'Nucks have been on the short end of postseason drama, leaving them to be bitter towards their respective leagues.

4. Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings are a good team that flies under the radar. Not many people picked them to win the Stanley Cup, yet here they are, surviving and thriving. It's surprising given that, well, they're in Hollywood.

This time, we're going with a more localized selection. The Los Angeles Rams also flew under the radar this season, surprising many people by making the postseason. Granted, they were eliminated in the Wild Card weekend. However, the Rams proved they have staying power.

That's what the Kings showed last season, too. Despite falling in six games to the Edmonton Oilers in the Quarterfinals, the Kings showed they're able to compete with the best. That includes Trevor Moore (20 goals), who's having a breakout year similar to Puka Nacua (1,486 receiving yards this season, six touchdowns).

5. Calgary Flames

Do you ever just look at a team and wonder how they're still even there? Like, how does this team still exist despite being irrelevant? Think of the Tennessee Titans and how they're anonymous in the NFL landscape.

Well, that's the Calgary Flames. Nobody cares about the Flames since everyone's focused on Connor McDavid and the Oilers. Do you know how much it sucks to be the forgotten little brother of Alberta? It's not fun.

Even in the thick of a playoff chase, they're boring. They don't have any exciting goal scorers (3.16 goals per game), their power play stinks (14.1%), and ownership has taken it upon themselves to make the Flames anonymous, even if they screw themselves. Talk about being the little brother in the Battle of Alberta, especially if nobody's paying attention to you.

6. Seattle Kraken

I know what you're thinking: Why not match the Kraken with the Seahawks? They're a perfect pair! Here's the thing: The Kraken is a young team built on developing talent and a solid defense. Pete Carroll's no longer the head coach of the Seahawks, anyway, The Krak Crew don't have that problem now.

Therefore, the Kraken are the Houston Texans. Both are the newest teams in their respective leagues and both have a solid young core. Seattle fans are banking on Matty Beniers (six goals, 13 assists) to have the type of career that C.J. Stroud is projecting to have.

Who knows? The Kraken and the Texans might make it to their respective championships and win it all. That'll only make the parallel much stronger between the two.

7. Anaheim Ducks

Are you ready for some controversy? I believe the Anaheim Ducks are a bit of an underachieving team. Granted, they're younger and need more time to gel. That's a good thing if you're a Ducks fan, for you're one or two good signings from becoming a Stanley Cup contender.

But I can't help but feel they should be doing more, which is why I think they're like the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers underachieved this season and they have a star in Justin Herbert. Like Herbert, Zegras is piloting a non-playoff team, which can get dicey for a superstar.

Just look at the Ducks offensively (111 goals) and defensively (150 goals allowed). Anaheim should be doing more, but they're not. Both the Quack Pack and the Chargers are in Southern California, which makes for an obvious connection. Therefore, surf's up, dude.

8. San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks are the Carolina Panthers of the NHL. Both were good during the 2010s until late and both are not heading anywhere any time soon. Buckle up for years of pain, because it's gonna be a loooooooooooong, bumpy ride. Hopefully, the Sharks owner isn't throwing any drinks at opposing fans.