The NFL has a stranglehold on the Thanksgiving holiday. They have three games: one featuring the Detroit Lions, one showcasing the Dallas Cowboys, and another in the nightcap. Fans are subjected to watching a game featuring one mediocre team (or even two if it involves the Dallas Cowboys).
The league has even stepped into Black Friday territory, getting a football game in the afternoon. This year features the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, where Patrick Mahomes will take on his division rival.
But let's look at the NHL side of things for a second. They have a Thanksgiving Showdown doubleheader on Friday, with the Boston Bruins playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The nightcap will feature the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars. The Stars are hoping to cleanse the eyes of Texans watching the Cowboys play football.
What would happen if Gary Bettman grew some grapefruits and challenged the mighty Roger Goodell? What if he had a traditional doubleheader that featured two prolific NHL teams? What would it look like? Would we see the over-the-top performances and spectacles the Lions and Cowboys subject their audiences to?
Let's say Bettman decides on the Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights. Everyone wants to see Mark Stone and Jack Eichel, even if it's a hate-watching session. The Bruins are also one of the most famous hockey teams around. Plus, everyone loves speculating that Bettman hates Canada. So there's that.
But let's focus on the Golden Knights side. Assume the Bruins play the Montreal Canadiens for the Thanksgiving game, where the Dropkick Murphys and Beyonce play during the intermissions. So what about the Golden Knights? What would a Thanksgiving game look like at T-Mobile Arena?
Mapping out a Vegas Golden Knights Thanksgiving game
First, let's see who the Vegas Golden Knights would play at T-Mobile Arena on Thanksgiving. The Golden Knights have no shortage of potential opponents. These include rivals and the hottest/most noteworthy teams around. Who are these teams?
- Edmonton Oilers (huge rival; Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl)
- San Jose Sharks (huge rival with history)
- Los Angeles Kings (huge rival; big market)
- Chicago Blackhawks (Connor Bedard; big market)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (Core Four and Auston Matthews; historical team)
The opposing team would likely be the Edmonton Oilers, given the marketing appeal of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The reigning Western Conference champions boast an incredible forward lineup, with even Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins contributing in recent years.
Since we have our opponent set, what do the intermission shows look like? First, we must have the Killers. That's the go-to band for anything Las Vegas-related. They'll be the first intermission entertainment, while Panic at the Disco! will headline the second intermission.
Maybe Bill Foley can get Taylor Swift to counteract Beyonce going to Boston. Who knows? The Golden Knights owner has orchestrated big moves before, including getting Kelly McCrimmon as the general manager and acquiring Mark Stone from the Ottawa Senators.
Adding the finishing touches to the Thanksgiving game
Whatever the case, they can get Swift in the first or second year. But who would broadcast the game? For the NFL slate, they have FOX and CBS rotate between the Lions and Cowboys annually. ABC and Turner Sports have the rights to the NHL. Therefore, one network takes the Bruins game, while the other takes the Golden Knights. Get ready for Kenny Albert and Eddie Olczyk, Las Vegas!
The Thanksgiving games won't happen based on the NFL having an iron grip on the holiday. From the Turducken tradition to the halftime performances, it's tough to beat American football on Thanksgiving. That's especially true with the sport deeply ingrained in the holiday's history.
However, it can't hurt Bettman if he tries. He turned the Winter Classic into a success and could strike gold here, too, if the circumstances are right. Of course, that could start with the Golden Knights, who have many people who are not thankful for their presence.