Maple Leafs vs Lightning

	vs
MAPLE LEAFS		LIGHTNING
0-1		0-0

The Aesthetics
Both of these teams break one of my cardinal rules. Spelling out the name in the primary logo. There's no need. It should be obvious which teams these are simply by the elements (i.e.: the leaf and the lightning bolt). That aside, the Lightning gets the edge for its use of color.
Lightning

The Nickname
If Lightning struck a maple tree, all the Maple Leafs would go up in flames.
Lightning

The Analysis
Both teams are very aptly named. The leaf featured on the Canadian flag is used on a different color and Tampa, Florida is deemed by some to be the lightning capital of the world. The Maple Leafs logo has been around forever while the Lightning has only been around 15 years. The Maple Leafs has proved staying power but silhouette logos are too easy.
Lightning

WINNER

3-0

 

Blues vs Red Wings

	vs
BLUES		RED WINGS
1-0		1-0

The Aesthetics
For one thing, both logos incorporate a wing element. So that's interesting. While the Red Wings logo has been around forever, the Blues is a little sleeker. I would almost venture to say that the same guy who designed the Flyers logo had a hand in the Blues. As far as aesthetics, the Blues logo has the edge.
Blues

The Nickname
This will be complicated. The situation here is that both teams have a color as part of their names. To determine which is superior — red or blue — we must look to the American Revolutionary War. Since the British fell, the Red Wings are obviously inferior to the Blues. (I warned you to expect some crazy nonsense.)
Blues

The Analysis
As I mentioned, both logos have elements attached to a wing. In the Red Wings case, it is the primary element, the wheel being there to represent the Motor City of Detroit. In the case of the Blues, the musical note is the primary element. The attached wing — I'm not really sure about why it's there.
Red Wings

WINNER

2-1

 

Predators vs Blackhawks

	vs
PREDATORS		BLACKHAWKS
1-1		0-2

The Aesthetics
Looking at the two logos side by side, my eye keeps getting drawn to the Predators logo. Unfortunately, I've looked at the Blackhawks three times in the last four days and nothing's changed. I still feel like it's from the 1940s. And it pretty much is.
Predators

The Nickname
Chief Black Hawk needs a break. First a giant ball of fire and then a deep-sea shark. But I'm rather sure he would be able to take out the Predator with a throw of his trusty tomahawk.
Blackhawks

The Analysis
We know the histories of both logos and while I think the Predators have the advantage, both cities utilize their history well in coming up with a name and logo design. Ultimately, though, it just comes down to which one is better and the Predators have the edge.
Predators

WINNER

2-1

 

Sabres vs Flyers

	vs
SABRES		FLYERS
1-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
The Flyers logo is almost overly simplistic but is a classic. Upgrades are always welcome, however, for logos that have existed for 30 years or more. The third-jersey logo is a good example of what can be done. The Sabres logo features nice colors but no sword.
Flyers

The Nickname
Are we to assume a Flyer is a bird of some type or an informational sheet? Either way, if it were to get in the way of a Sabre, its days would be over.
Sabres

The Analysis
Flyers is one of those generic team names that doesn't mean anything but its long, storied existence strikes fear into the heart of opponents. Unfortunately for them, this game doesn't work that way. Still, the weak logo design for the Sabres gives the Flyers the edge.
Flyers

WINNER

2-1