Friday, September 21, 2007

40 Years Of Penguins

When the Pittsburgh Penguins announced they'd be unveiling their Rbk EDGE uniforms, they said the sweaters would feature a special shoulder patch. Many, myself included, speculated on a commemoration of the Pens' 40th year in Pittsburgh. In fact, what the team really had in mind was a much bigger number — a commemoration of Pittsburgh's 250th year as a city.



The patch has been "coined" the 250-cent piece in some circles. (Couldn't resist it.) But regarding that whole 40th anniversary thing, the Pens are celebrating this year their entry into the league along with the Kings, Stars, Flyers and Blues. So one fan came up with a concept logo.



It definitely feels like one of those old '90s commemorative patches, but hey, no one else seems to have come up with one. (Pens fans, correct me if I'm ignorant. Does the team have a 40th anniversary logo for marketing crap and such?)

Anyway, feel free to post your thoughts. We'd love to hear what you think. And if you have an idea for a 40th anniversary logo for the Pens or any of the other 1967 expansion clubs (hell, you could even do the Cleveland Barons/Oakland Seals if you wanted), feel free to send it along and I may even post it here on the blog.

Elusive Rangers Jersey Appears

Just so as to put the matter to rest, I thought I'd point out that the elusive New York Rangers Rbk EDGE jersey has now made its long-awaited appearance on the NHL.com Shop.



As a corollary to that, the Rangers have said on their web site that the new uniforms will be debuting in tonight's preseason game against the Devils.



I guess, technically that means today is the "official" unveiling of their new uniform. However, I'm still going to count July 26 as the date because they first released pictures on their web site that day — despite the fact that they were removed only hours later.

Anyway, all this nonsense is for nothing because they're exactly the same as they've always been, adapted to the Rbk EDGE style and cut. I say "exactly" but I should clarify before I get a horde of comments about how the letters create a narrower diagonal than before. I think it's hardly noticeable, but then I'm not a Rangers fan.

So it'll all be cleared up tonight and photos from the game will be available soon enough. And we're probably just about finished with Rbk EDGE news. It's kind of sad. I've gotten so used to it over the last few months.

Poll: Blue Jackets Logo History


2000
2007


Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date
Sep 21 @ 4:35 AM
Poll closing date
Sep 28 @ 11:59 PM


07BONLH | LHCBJ

Result: Blues Logo History

BEST ALL-TIME
1998

73% 5,834 votes



8,002 total votes



1984
17% 1,354 votes


1967
10% 814 votes




Poll opening date
Sep 13 @ 4:26 AM
Poll closing date
Sep 20 @ 11:59 PM


07BONLH | LHSTL

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Sizing Your New EDGE Jersey

Earlier, I posted photos of my new Lightning Rbk EDGE jersey that just got delivered to me today. Since then, I've been getting lots of questions about sizing. So here's what I know.

The Philadelphia Flyers have a great FAQ posted on their web site regarding the Rbk EDGE jerseys. Specifically, they have a sizing chart that seems like it would give you a decent idea of what size jersey to buy for yourself.

Basically, it suggests jersey size based on chest size. So wrap a tape measure around your chest or something and figure out which jersey is right for you.



Obviously, the numbers above are in inches. I didn't realize they had a sizing chart until after I'd purchased my jersey, but as it happens, my chest measures out to about 43 or 44 inches, meaning medium was the suggested size for me. And it worked out because, as I've said, my jersey fits me perfectly.

And might I add, if you do end up buying a jersey and feel like supporting NHLToL, click on one of my IceJerseys.com ads and place your order with them.

I'm going to add this information to my Rbk EDGE FAQ. Let me know if this works out for you guys. Good luck!

Rebranding The Panthers

We've seen some great work from this guy in the past. He's redesigned images for the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins as well as the New York Islanders, Atlanta Thrashers, and Anaheim Ducks.

GhettoFarmBoy has now posted his Florida Panthers redesign. In this instance, however, his concept isn't so much a complete overhaul, as a rethinking of that which we already know.



He simply reworked the current primary logo a bit. Sharp work if not familiar. He basically simplified it in areas and added more curved lines to replace straight ones.



He kept the secondary logo, essentially, the way it was. Overall, though, the biggest issue I had with the logo was that the panther itself seemed a little cross-eyed compared with the old one. Others on the SportsLogos.net message board felt the same, so he reworked the eyes a bit.



A great improvement. The new eyes make the animal feel more cat-like.

The jersey designs are also pretty nice. Again, they still feel more familiar to me than anything else. Certainly an improvement, but not to the point that they're downright amazing the way his earlier Ducks redesign was.

I commend the work being done by this artist though. I think he has a real talent and it's a shame the NHL doesn't hire peole like him to handle uniform and logo designs. I think it would be a much better looking league if they did.

I should also point out that he's said his next "rebranding" will be the San Jose Sharks and that we should expect the New Jersey Devils soon as well.

Personally, I'm pulling for the Lightning, just to see what he comes up with.

Now the floor's open to you all. What do you guys think of this work?

Wash With Like Colors

Got an email today with some interesting photos. Now that all the Rbk EDGE jerseys have been unveiled, it seems like all we have left to do is nitpick. So here's something we didn't anticipate.



It looks a little like the red on Martin Gerber's Senators jersey running on the front?



It could just be the photo, but it sure looks strange to me. I hope it washes out or else he's going to go through a lot of sweaters this season. Just thought you all would enjoy that.

Thanks to Joel for the pictures!

My Jersey Has Arrived!

What kind of person would I be to spend months writing about the new Rbk EDGE jerseys and not purchase one myself? Well, in fact, I pre-ordered my new Tampa Bay Lightning jersey the very day they were unveiled. It was sitting in my mailbox when I got home this afternoon.

And here it is!



Let me just say that it is very nice.



It's just like all the pictures and things I've been recording all summer. Though to be fair, these pictures are my first real exclusive contribution to the blog. And here's a close-up of the new collar style.



It's so cool to finally own one. It's just a shame I probably won't make it to any games this season.

The only small thing that disappointed me a little about my replica is the shoulder logo. It's not embroidered, but is rather a faux leather-like piece that is stitched on. The good news is that nothing is ironed on.



Anyway, it's really cool and I'm wearing it to work tomorrow! Everyone should get a good laugh out of that.

UPDATE (2:25 PM): Some valid questions were asked in the comments regarding how my new jersey fits. So this picture to the left shows you.

I'm about 5'11" and pretty thin. I ordered a medium jersey and it fits perfectly, as you can see. I couldn't be more thrilled with that.

Like most people, I wasn't sure what size to order at first, but I figured I could exchange it if I absolutely had to. And medium seemed like a smart choice.

So there you go. Probably go with a large if you're taller or just like a jersey that's a little bigger.

Let me know if you guys have any other questions about it. Now that I own my own jersey, I can actually answer them.

Poll: Sharks Logo History


1991
2007


Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date
Sep 20 @ 4:30 AM
Poll closing date
Sep 27 @ 11:59 PM


07BONLH | LHSJS

Result: Capitals Logo History

BEST ALL-TIME
2007

46% 4,182 votes



9,015 total votes



1995
27% 2,415 votes


1974
17% 1,499 votes


2002
10% 919 votes




Poll opening date
Sep 12 @ 4:29 AM
Poll closing date
Sep 19 @ 11:59 PM


07BONLH | LHWSH