This might not be of any importance to Vegas Golden Knights fans. But college football just released its 12-team playoff bracket. Teams like Texas, Oregon, and Ohio State are a part of the playoffs, creating a competitive atmosphere.
The College Football Playoff: pic.twitter.com/dUltIpqwXS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2024
Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State all received byes. Meanwhile, Clemson, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, SMU, Penn State, Indiana, and Notre Dame will duke it out in the first round. Of course, this isn't of much importance to Golden Knights fans unless their team's in the mix. Why?
There's no UNLV, who saw their head coach, Barry Odom, head to Purdue. The Runnin' Rebels are heading to Hollywood to take on the California Golden Bears in the LA Bowl on December 18. Cue Rachel Zegler's insufferable personality because UNLV is making it onto the red carpet.
But that brings up a broader point about the playoffs, specifically the Stanley Cup playoffs. You see, the Golden Knights have made the playoffs every season except for 2021-22. They've been a consistent model of success in the NHL, taking down every foe in their path.
Teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks have fallen in the past. In turn, it's led to two Stanley Cup Final appearances and a championship. Fans have heard this story numerous times. However, the ending is always of the happy variety, especially when it's your first seven seasons.
The eighth season has the potential to offer more
There are many reasons why this season could be special for the Vegas Golden Knights. For one, they have a Hart Trophy candidate in Jack Eichel. The four-time All-Star has 30 assists (second in the NHL) and 39 points (fourth in the NHL). He's on pace for 26 goals and 88 assists to end the season, with the assists and points (114) being franchise records.
That has led to an uprising in the power play, which ranked fifth in the NHL heading into Sunday (27.1%). But it's more than Eichel who hopes to lead the Golden Knights to another Stanley Cup. Brett Howden (10 goals, 39 hits) and Pavel Dorofeyev (12 goals) are having breakout years. Ivan Barbashev (13 goals, most on the team) is playing like it's 2021-22.
Of course, that depends on a resurgent Adin Hill. The Calgary native had a slow start to his season. However, he's picking up the pace (GAA of 1.73, save percentage of .938, and a shutout in his last eight games), giving the Golden Knights crucial points.
Meanwhile, UNLV football fans have plenty to be thankful for this season. They saw their program become competitive with a record of 10-3 and a trip to the Mountain West Conference Championship. It's safe to say the team has come a long way from their days slogging in Sam Boyd Stadium, even if they're not in the College Football Playoff.
The Golden Knights can follow that same path, creating another deep Stanley Cup playoff run. The only two differences are:
1.) You don't have to worry about NHL players transferring to different teams without something not coming back.
2.) You're not competing against 133 other hockey teams.
Otherwise, the sport would get overwhelmingly chaotic. As fun as hockey is, pure chaos would make Gary Bettman's head explode.