NHL teams as dog breeds: The complete list of hockey dogs

Western Conference – Central Division

Arizona Coyotes – The Canaan Dog, because it developed from feral dogs living in the desert.

That’s fair enough reasoning, though a bit bland. But wouldn’t going with an actual coyote be close enough, since they’re the only canines in the league? Arizona is technically still in the Pacific, but when Seattle arrives they will shift to the Central. We included them here because it’s more symmetrical.

Chicago Blackhawks – Chicago is the Basset Hound, because they are “boring yet strangely competent.”

The Blackhawks aren’t flashy, but they do get the job done and make the playoffs with astonishing regularity.

Colorado Avalanche – Colorado is the St Bernard, since their mascot is literally one.

This is just too perfect, especially considering the team’s nickname, so why change it if it ain’t broken?

Dallas Stars – Dallas is the Yorkie, because they are “spritely and energetic.”

This is Kimberley’s hometown team.

Minnesota Wild – Minnesota is represented by the Pomeranian, since they’re “fluff,” according to Jillian.

They are kind of forgettable, and we do mix up Poms with Pekignese way too often…

Nashville Predators – For Nashville, they get the Boston Terrier, since they have big personalities and are high energy.

Smash might have some Boston in him, so this isn’t terrible, though we’d go with the Bloodhound, given Smashville’s home base for country music and especially Blake Shelton’s ballad “Ol’ Red.”

St Louis Blues – STL gets the Labrador Retriever, because they’re both No. 1. And because Barclay is cute.

This works.

Winnipeg Jets – Winnipeg is the Akita, a rare Japanese breed that is “loyal and dignified.”

The Shih Tzu is Winnipeg’s third-most popular breed, according to the CBC, and they kind of exist in the background of the Toy Group, just like the Jets fade into the background compared to their Central Division neighbors.