Oilers vs Kings

	vs
OILERS		KINGS
1-8		3-5

The Aesthetics
Well it's been a full two weeks since we've seen the Oilers in action. And at that time they were way ahead of everyone in matches played. Today, they're pretty much on par with the league. Unfortunately, they still have the same logo made up almost exclusively of the team name. The Kings on the other hand, are still looking as good as ever.
Kings

The Nickname
A King rules the land. An Oiler digs in it.
Kings

The Analysis
I feel like the Oilers logo missed the boat. The current shoulder logo isn't all bad and the third jersey logo is epic (after all, it was created by a comic book writer). Put this one on the shoulder. And that is all I have to say on the matter. The Kings hit the nail on the head with this logo. I like the purple shield they used in the late '90s but a crown is so much more effective. Add in the subtle hockey sticks and the suns on either side and you can call this a sweep of the coolest kind.
Kings

WINNER

3-0

 

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

 

Possible New Senators Logo?

For months we've heard rumors that the Ottawa Senators will be among the teams getting new logos this season. Could this be it?

Now if you feel like you've seen it before, it's really just an upgrade to the logo the Sens currently wear on their home and third jerseys. And it seems like the real deal. But as usual, we won't know anything for sure until the team makes its announcement. There's no word yet on when they plan to schedule such an announcement, but I'll keep my eyes and ears peeled for you.

Incidentally, this image was discovered a while back on an ad for NHL.com's online store. It was likely placed on the web by accident and then quickly taken down. I haven't seen it anywhere myself. You can see that ad in full just below.

Panthers To Unveil New Uniforms July 28

On their web site, the Florida Panthers have announced they will be unveiling their new uniforms on July 28 at the "Year of the Rat" alumni game.

July 13, 2007
Dave Joseph / floridapanthers.com

Jersey Unveiling At Reunion Game

The Panthers will look toward the future while acknowledging its past July 28 at BankAtlantic Center when they unveil their new jersey while celebrating its 1996 Stanley Cup team.

Fans attending the ‘Year of the Rat’ alumni game beginning at 2 p.m., will be the first to not only witness the unveiling of the Panthers new jersey but season seat holders will be the first to order the new item.

Presale order forms for season seat holders will be available July 29 at FloridaPanthers.com. Presale forms will be available to the general public beginning Sept. 1. The jersey will be available at Pantherland Sept. 14 at BankAtlantic Center.

The new jersey features a new cut and lightweight advanced materials to provide increased range of motion, ventilation, durability and comfort. The jersey is also treated with new moisture, repellent technology.

Along with the unveiling of the new jersey, fans will watch favorites like John Vanbiesbrouck, Scott Mellanby, Brian Skrudland, Bill Lindsay, Tom Fitzgerald and Paul Laus from the ‘Year of the Rat’ team play an exhibition game against Panther alumni.

The ’96 Panthers, playing in only in third NHL season, were a longshot to make the playoffs. But before a home game in October of ’95 at the Miami Arena, Scott Mellanby one-timed a rat off the wall after the creature had found its way into the locker room. After Mellanby scored two goals to help the Panthers to a 4-3 victory over Calgary, goalie John Vanbiesbrouck credited Mellanby with scoring the “Rat Trick.”

And the Year of the Rat was born.

After each Panther goal the remainder of the season, fans would shower the ice with toy rats. A few turned into a dozen, and a dozen turned into thousands. By the time the Panthers found their way into the playoffs, the ice was flooded with rats and a local tradition turned into a national sensation.

The Panthers beatBoston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to earn the Eastern Conference championship before losing to Colorado in the Stanley Cup finals.

Panther alumni members participating in the game include Val Bure, Peter Worrell, Jesse Belanger and Trevor Kidd.

Flames vs Stars

	vs
FLAMES		STARS
7-0		3-3

The Aesthetics
I really think the Stars logo would be so much improved if they did away with the words in it. Still it's in part the reason why this point goes to the Flames logo.
Flames

The Nickname
Burning hot Flames and a burning hot Star. Now that seems like a draw. But in fact, fire is just part of a star. There's so much more.
Stars

The Analysis
Appropriate logos. Strong colors. I like them both. The Stars logo needs a bit of work. Liven things up. Bring it into the 21st century a little bit. The Flames logo can probably stay like it is forever. Nothing wrong with that. Its staying power will help give it this point.
Flames

WINNER

2-1

 

Maple Leafs vs Devils

	vs
MAPLE LEAFS		DEVILS
1-7		6-1

The Aesthetics
The disparity in the records of these two logos is rather apparent. However, look at them and you think hockey instantly. I'd say that they're recognizable to almost anyone on the continent. Still, this point is about looks. I've said over and over again that the Maple Leafs logo would be great if not for the team name in it. That remains true. Perhaps we'll have something new presented to us this summer. No official word from the team yet.
Devils

The Nickname
Those little Maple Leafs keep getting the raw end of this deal. But then we are talking about the Devil. Everything up in flames.
Devils

The Analysis
Here we have classic hockey logos that have been around for decades. That doesn't mean they couldn't use an upgrade, though. The Devils logo is great and though it doesn't really need it, a slight modernization wouldn't hurt. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, need to get their name out of their logo. Otherwise, the leaf silhouette is awesome. Maybe next time.
Devils

WINNER

3-0

 

Bruins vs Senators

	vs
BRUINS		SENATORS
2-2		4-2

The Aesthetics
So while most teams have are at least halfway through the tournament, these two aren't. The Bruins actually have the fewest overall, this being only their fifth. So we'll be seeing them a lot in the final weeks of the competition. As far as aesthetics, the Bruins logo is simple and strong. Though it may not seem like it, the recent update makes a big difference. I hear a new Senators logo is in the offing and I wouldn't be sad to see this one go.
Bruins

The Nickname
Bruin mauls Senator. That would be an interesting newspaper headline.
Bruins

The Analysis
This is where the Bruins are unable to sweep. I see a "B" there which could stand for Boston or Bruins, but nowhere do I see an actual bruin. For that, you have to look to the new shoulder patch, which personally, I'd rather see on their crest. The Senators is as close as we'll come to logo that's appropriate to the name.
Senators

WINNER

2-1