Sharks vs Canucks

	vs
SHARKS		CANUCKS
5-8		5-8

The Aesthetics
Water-based creatures bearing teeth are prominently featured in these two logos. And they're both breaking things. The shark is breaking a hockey stick and the whale is breaking through ice. But as far as the overall look, I have to go with the Canucks. It's always been one of my favorites. As for the Sharks logo, while the recent change was an upgrade, they could've done better.
Canucks

The Nickname
Canucks are people and by and large, people are not impervious to Sharks. In fact, sometimes they lose limbs to big fish.
Sharks

The Analysis
Even though there isn't a "Canuck" in this logo, per se, I'm willing to give them a pass on that this time around. I love the Haida-style art and you can't say an orca in ice has nothing to do with Vancouver (which I may or may not have previously said). So here's why they're still getting beat by the Sharks. Call me slow, but I just found the "SJ" hidden in the Sharks' new logo and it's awesome! If you want to find it, check out the black in the fins. Look hard. You have to really want it. It's the last day of the tournament, so it's the final match for each logo.
Sharks

WINNER

2-1

 

Lightning vs Rangers

	vs
LIGHTNING		RANGERS
6-7		3-10

The Aesthetics
Well the text abounds here on the final day of the qualifying tournament. Since both logos use it in excess, we'll just have to look past the text. And call me biased (and I may well be), but I think the Lightning logo is a little more dynamic (though perhaps not as old as the Rangers'). At least there's more to it than just a shield. Maybe one day they'll take my advice and go full on with the Lady Liberty logo.
Lightning

The Nickname
Rangers work way up high in those elevated ranger stations where they are very prone to strikes of Lightning. Or something like that.
Lightning

The Analysis
Since its the last day of the tournament, we'll make this easy. The Rangers logo has the staying power of like a hundred years or something. The Lightning logo has needed an upgrade for the last 10 years. Finally, it's going to get it, though. Maybe then I'd be more apt to give it this point. Still, they sneak by with the win and finish the tournament even.
Rangers

WINNER

2-1

 

Revisiting Some New Uniforms

The designs in this post are for teams that have already unveiled new uniforms so, like the rest of the concepts I post, it's just for fun. Hey, I can't post artwork the caliber of that Anaheim stuff everyday.

Here is what one fan thought the new Columbus Blue Jackets jerseys should look like.



I really like the curved stripes. Very interesting. I'm a big fan of the real Blue Jackets uniforms, but these aren't bad either. Maybe the team could consider something in this vein for an alternate once that program is reinstated in a year or two.

Then I also had a few ideas for the Florida Panthers emailed to me.



We've never seen that kind of gold on a Panther jersey. I wonder how it would look on the ice. I feel like the Panthers have always been more associated with red than blue, which is why I thought it was strange their home Rbk EDGE jerseys are blue. Then there's these two.



The white jersey seems really familiar and the red is almost how it should be. Speaking of red, one fan based a red jersey off of the new ones just released last month.



They also tried wrapping the elbow stripes completely around the sleeve as opposed to just halfway. I think it makes a world of difference. But I don't really mind the elbow stripes the way they are. I just know there are a number of people who are annoyed by it.

Any thoughts on these designs? Remember, if you would like to send in a design or you own or one you've seen elsewhere on the web, you can submit it at nhllogos@gmail.com.

Mailbag: Sens Fan Concepts

With the news today that the Ottawa Senators will be unveiling their new jerseys in a couple of weeks, one fan has mused on some concept designs. These were emailed to me and I thought I'd share them.



This black jersey makes use of one of the club's secondary marks. It's a nice logo but I can't imagine it being the primary. What do you guys think? Could it work or should we stick with what we know?



We've seen a few concepts with the old-time Sens design but this one is slightly different. Instead of stripes going the length of the sweater, this one goes more along the lines of the Canadiens. Definitely an interesting look.

Comments can be left below if the spirit compels you.

It's Official: Expect New Sens Unis August 22!

According to the official web site of the Ottawa Senators, we can expect to see new uniforms on Wednesday, August 22. So get excited!



The team doesn't specifically cite the new logo we've been seeing around, but I'm sure it will be unveiled along with the jerseys. We'll wait and see at 6:15 PM on VIII/XXII/MMVII as their graphic puts it.

Sens fans, are you excited?

Kings vs Sharks

	vs
KINGS		SHARKS
7-6		5-7

The Aesthetics
These two logos both have rather unique color schemes. You don't really see them anywhere else in the league. The Sharks recently introduced a new logo and this is its first time in the tournament. It's certainly an improvement over the previous logo, and even though sharks are grey, not teal, I like the extra color in the logo. What's unfortunate is that they kept the broken stick in the logo. The Kings logo is a good example of how you work in a hockey stick if you absolutely cannot help yourself. Make it subtle!
Kings

The Nickname
As powerful as King may be, if he took a dip in Shark-infested waters, he'd become lunch and nobody would be able to do anything about it.
Sharks

The Analysis
Despite getting an update, the Sharks logo still leaves a lot to be desired. I think the Kings logo is stronger and hey, what says California more than the suns on either side of the crown? Now, if you can, try and resist the urge to tear apart my reasoning. It's flimsy and would never stand up to it. Come back on Sunday and vote for yourself!
Kings

WINNER

2-1

 

Maple Leafs vs Penguins

	vs
MAPLE LEAFS		PENGUINS
1-11		3-10

The Aesthetics
Penguins fans, you're in luck for your team's final match of the tournament. Maple Leafs fans, not so much. Sorry, no way to please everybody. And tradition has never affected my judgment as far as this competition goes if you've read any of these before. The bottom line: I don't like text in logos. It defeats the purpose, doesn't it? It's supposed to be a symbol for the team. Here, we should already know who the text culprit is.
Penguins

The Nickname
I'm sorry but we're talking about a Maple Leaf. Even a Penguin could crunch one of those under its little foot.
Penguins

The Analysis
What says Canada more than a giant maple leaf? Not much can really fit that bill. At the same time, I'm not sure a gold triangle really screams Pittsburgh to anyone not familiar with the area. Having said that, both logos are appropriate to their teams, even if they could use a little work here and there. Ultimately though, the penguin in the hockey gear continues to bewilder me. Still, the Pens pull off a win in their final match of the tournament.
Maple Leafs

WINNER

2-1

 

Thrashers vs Senators

	vs
THRASHERS		SENATORS
7-6		7-6

The Aesthetics
This match will serve as the finale for each of these teams. Is it weird they're both facing the same direction? I'm not bothered, I guess. What I am bothered by is the stick the bird is holding. Why? It's so unncessary. It's a cool-looking logo, but that stick takes a lot away in my eyes. Let's go with the Sens.
Senators

The Nickname
Senators set aside special reserve land decide whether or not the Thrasher is worth adding to the endangered list. So they've got some power over the little bird. And I think that's all the evidence I need.
Senators

The Analysis
Nothing about the Thrashers logo really says Atlanta to me and that's a shame because it could — and should. The Senators logo just about screams Ottawa and Canada. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out a recent Sens match and you'll understand. Looks like we've got a sweep on our hands today.
Senators

WINNER

3-0

 

Coyotes vs Oilers

	vs
COYOTES		OILERS
5-6		2-11

The Aesthetics
The howling coyote actually gives us something to look at. Is the oil drop at the top of circle meant to be the focal point of the Oilers logo? If not, all that's left is the text and you know how that irks me. Don't you? Notch another one for the desert dogs.
Coyotes

The Nickname
An Oiler is probably a rather rugged fellow. I don't he'd find any need to worry about a little Coyote. Face to face, I think he could take it. Don't ask me how.
Oilers

The Analysis
There are things that bother about the Coyotes logo, small things like the fact that the ear is seen more easily than the eye. The Oilers logo is strong, solid and classic. I imagine it will be one of those that sticks around forever despite the fact that I think it could use an upgrade or two. But who am I to say? It may come as a surprise to you all, but overall, I think it's better than the Coyotes. Oh, and that does it for the Oilers schedule. When next you see them, you'll be placing a vote.
Oilers

WINNER

2-1

 

Red Wings Unveil New Uniforms!

Giant tip of the hat to a reader for emailing in this information. There was no big fanfare or public unveiling event, but the Detroit Red Wings have officially unveiled their new Rbk EDGE uniforms. Check them out.



The Red Wings join the Flyers and Rangers as teams making the new jerseys available for pre-order on the web site. The graphic to the left can be found on the Wings' web site and it links to the order form. Detroit has separated itself from the Flyers and Rangers, however, by making images of the new jersey available.

Anyway, the Red Wings become the eighth team to unveil their Rbk EDGE jerseys and we eagerly await the rest of the league.