Islanders vs Panthers

	vs
ISLANDERS		PANTHERS
1-7		4-1

The Aesthetics
Despite the small detail in the Panthers logo, it's fairly obvious they're getting this point.
Panthers

The Nickname
These two aren't common foes, but a Panther could eat an Islander if he was hungry enough.
Panthers

The Analysis
As far as home town representations go, the outline of Long Island is giving the Islanders logo a leg up. Unfortunately for them, as far as overall logo designs go, the use of the team name, a hockey stick and a puck all take away too much. And how cool is that panther anyway?
Panthers

WINNER

3-0

 

Predators vs Blues

	vs
PREDATORS		BLUES
5-2		4-3

The Aesthetics
Both teams are halfway through the tournament and are currently at the top of their division. Let's see how they fare one-on-one. For one thing, their colors are similar and very cool. The Predators logo deals a lot in minute detail while the Blues logo mostly avoids it. Still, its the Predators who get this point for colors and overall sleekness.
Predators

The Nickname
What's with animals eating people today. We have a Predator dining on a Blues singer now.
Predators

The Analysis
Predators and Blues are both generic names. Same as Flyers or Wild or Canadiens. You're not really sure what the logo should look like but that means a lot of different things can work. Here, both logos make sense with the name (so, that's good) but its the Predators that goes a step further and creates an icon. (A trumpet or some type of musical instrument could've gotten the job done for the Blues.) And that's why this point goes to them.
Predators

WINNER

3-0

 

Devils vs Sabres

	vs
DEVILS		SABRES
3-0		3-2

The Aesthetics
This is a quality Eastern Conference matchup. Or so it would seem on the face of it. Both logos have a few simple colors and a simple, clean design. But it's the subtle "NJ" in the devil that puts the Devils logo over.
Devils

The Nickname
The Devil is a pretty nasty character. You'll need more than a Sabre to defeat him.
Devils

The Analysis
This is where the Sabres logo has yet to earn a single point in the competition so far. Where is the sword? At least we see a silhouette with horns and a pointy tail in the Devils logo. We know what that is. If I didn't know any better I'd say the other logo was for a team called the Bison or the Buffaloes. Not the Sabres. I've gone though the whole Buffalo thing before. No sense in beating that horse. We'll call today sweep day.
Devils

WINNER

3-0

 

Blackhawks vs Coyotes

	vs
BLACKHAWKS		COYOTES
2-4		2-2

The Aesthetics
Looking at these two logos side-by-side, the Coyotes logo is much cleaner. There's a lot going on in the Blackhawks logo, half of which I don't understand. There also isn't a clearly defined color scheme in this logo. There's no question what the Coyotes colors are. An easy point.
Coyotes

The Nickname
Coyotes beware when Chief Blackhawk is wielding a tomahawk.
Blackhawks

The Analysis
What I like about both logos is their ability to just be symbols of their teams. Though I suppose a lay person might thing Indians when they see the Blackhawks logo, the designers got a tough assignment with the name itself. I really hope one day the Blackhawks update their logo, though. Even if its just something they where on their shoulder. I don't dislike the Indian head, but would prefer something cleaner and more defined the color category. I say all this so that you know this isn't a throwaway point. They could've gotten it. However, the Coyotes have already done those things. Remember the team's original logo the year they moved to Phoenix? They've come a long way. And the colors say desert and that's what I mean by representation of the home town.
Coyotes

WINNER

2-1