Lightning vs Penguins

	vs
LIGHTNING		PENGUINS
3-4		0-5

The Aesthetics
Both logos have simple color schemes. The Lightning logo lacks the movement seen in the Penguins. The hockey stick gives it a demerit but the Lightning logo goes all out with the team name. That doesn't win points.
Penguins

The Nickname
If a Penguin got struck by Lightning, that would be that.
Lightning

The Analysis
Not only is the penguin in the Penguins logo carrying a hockey stick, but he's donning hockey gear with the gloves and skates. It's cute — if he's in a comic book, not on the front of a jersey. The '90s era logo was an improvement, though I am a fan of the Vegas gold. Fortunately for the Pens, despite all of that, the Lightning logo's use of a '90s era lettering and a flat yet 3-D bolt wins them the point.
Penguins

WINNER

2-1

 

Avalanche vs Ducks

	vs
AVALANCHE		DUCKS
6-0		1-7

The Aesthetics
The Avalanche logo is one of those sports logo classics that I feel will be one of those icons that lasts forever. It certainly has the potential. The Ducks logo needs a change and fast. Perhaps it can lose the words and just stick with the duck foot "D." I'm assuming that's what they're going to do this summer, but until they announce it, we're stuck with this version.
Avalanche

The Nickname
If a Duck got caught in an Avalanche, he'd be toast.
Avalanche

The Analysis
The great thing about the Avalanche logo is that I can't actually envision anything else in its place. What would be a better logo for the team than that? There's nothing. Meanwhile, the Ducks need help and I'm going to say flat out that they're losing this point because the logo is nothing more than a wordmark.
Avalanche

WINNER

3-0

 

Thrashers vs Devils

	vs
THRASHERS		DEVILS
4-3		7-1

The Aesthetics
The Devils have a great-looking logo by most standards, but it's very flat. Despite the hockey stick in the logo, this one goes to the Thrashers
Thrashers

The Nickname
The Devil is evil and powerful. A little bird like a Thrasher doesn't stand a chance.
Devils

The Analysis
Both logos are effective and appropriate and don't lose any points there. So we look to the underlying stuff like the subtle "NJ" in the Devils logo and the blatant and annoying hockey stick held by a bird in the Thrashers. I think you know where I'm going.
Devils

WINNER

2-1

 

Wild vs Sharks

	vs
WILD		SHARKS
6-0		4-4

The Aesthetics
I don't think it really even requires an explanation. The Wild logo just has so much to offer in such a small space. The Sharks logo has a broken hockey stick on which the tape doesn't even go around the stick.
Wild

The Nickname
You can make the case that Sharks live in the Wild. But its still dangerous for them.
Wild

The Analysis
I've talked before about how much the Wild logo manages to work in. The Sharks logo is all right but its not as fierce as it could be. And there's an awful lot of black used. It's a decent enough logo but perhaps it can get this point against another team.
Wild

WINNER

3-0