Sabres vs Maple Leafs

	vs
SABRES		MAPLE LEAFS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
The Maple Leafs' crest is rather one-dimensional and while the Sabres' isn't the worst-looking logo in Buffalo sports, it's pretty bad. Still, the edge goes to them only slightly for its style and use of color.
Sabres

The Nickname
If a swordsman was riding through the woods, his Sabre would easily slice through any Maple Leaf that might get in its way.
Sabres

The Analysis
I don't understand why every team from Buffalo, New York must have a buffalo in its logo. I get the importance of the animal to the area, but put it on the shoulder. Why has the saber been relegated to the secondary mark? My favorite Sabres logo ever was the one used on the front of the red third jerseys. This one is a no brainer. What symbol is on the Canadian flag? This is Toronto. Enough said.
Maple Leafs

WINNER

2-1

 

Red Wings vs Kings

	vs
RED WINGS		KINGS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
I've said before that ultra-traditionalism shall have no part in this competition. So I don't care that the Red Wings logo has been around for ages. It could use an upgrade. This is, after all, 2007. Among other things, I like the Kings' color scheme. It's something different.
Kings

The Nickname
I can't say for sure what sort of bird a Red Wing would belong to, but I'm fairly sure the King of the land would have nothing to say about it.
Red Wings

The Analysis
When I think "king," I think crown, so the Kings hit it right on the money. But I like how the Red Wings logo incorporates a wheel. After all, before Detroit was dubbed Hockeytown, it was Motor City.
Red Wings

WINNER

2-1

 

Thrashers vs Rangers

	vs
THRASHERS		RANGERS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
Even though I didn't like the team's name, I've liked the Thrashers' logo ever since it was first unveiled when the team started playing in 1999. The Rangers, on the other hand, not so much. I think they should upgrade to the shoulder logo on the third jersey. Much nicer.
Thrashers

The Nickname
If the Thrasher is living in a national park, the park Ranger is protecting it and therefore has the upper hand.
Rangers

The Analysis
I don't know why it is that almost all the pro sports teams in Atlanta have to be named for birds, but the hockey team got burned. Falcons and hawks are birds of prey and despite "thrashing" being a good verb for use in defeating opponents, the thrasher is what, a songbird? Come on. By default, the Rangers take this one.
Rangers

WINNER

2-1

 

Stars vs Blackhawks

	vs
STARS		BLACKHAWKS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
Albeit slightly boring, the Stars have a much sleaker look than the Blackhawks. I've always found the Indian head a little clunky and intricate, not to mention its lack of a defined color scheme.
Stars

The Nickname
Chief Black Hawk may have been a tough son of a bitch, but a Star is a giant all-consuming ball of fire.
Stars

The Analysis
The Blackhawks get their name from Chief Black Hawk who was a Sauk warlord in the area of what is now Rock Island, Illinois which is less than 200 miles from Chicago. Not bad. On the other hand, the Stars take their name from predecessor Minnesota North Stars. I think it works great, what with Texas being the Lone Star state. The only drawback is that the team name is spelled out in the logo and, by and large, I'm not a fan of that. Still, they squeak by with the point.
Stars

WINNER

3-0