>>>>You're right. If the team name itself is plural, then the plural form is used.
>>>
>>>Name the two teams where the name is not a plural. (I *think* there are still only 2 teams both in Hockey)
>>
>>Colorado Avalance
>>Minnesota Wild
>>
>>In college sports there is / are the Stanford Cardinal. There are probably more but I am too lazy to try to think of them!
>
>Pretty sure the Cardinal is the mascot and the team is the Cardinals.
>
>Personally, I hate this singular name sports team phenomenon. What the heck are you supposed to call one member of the team?
>
>Answering my own question, for Colorado, clearly it's a rock, and for Minnesota, a Wildman, but what about the Miami Heat?
>

A Hot? ;-)

You are mistaken about the Stanford nickname. It is the Cardinal, singular.