HF&P, Part 16: New York Rangers

That's right, two posts in one day, here as part of the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series. Like I said, I have tons of great new artwork from around the net but not enough days to post it all before the tournament begins.

Oh yes, it's the New York Rangers and it's a sight to behold. If I were redesigning the Rangers' uniforms, this is almost exactly what I would have come up with. I love the lettering on these jerseys. It's just what the Rangers need to give them a contemporary look. I've never liked their current logo. It's just too — pardon me — old-fashioned.

Anyway, that's all I have for New York today. Short post. Hope you enjoyed it.

Once again, though, kudos to the designer! Whoever that may be.

Up next: the San Jose Sharks.

HF&P, Part 15: New York Islanders

It occurs to me that I'm really running out of time if I want to get the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series completed by the time the tournament starts. It's only nine days away! That being said, I'm going to be a little ambitious leading up to it by giving you two posts a day! That's right, I said two.

There's no real reason why I couldn't continue this series into the tournament except for that I just don't feel like it. On the other hand, if I do come across new artwork, I'll be sure to pass it along. Now, on with it already.

Now before you say anything, I warned you last time that you would laugh your ass off on this design. That being said, changes like this fascinate me and therefore I love it. Of course it would send hockey's ultra-traditionalists into a tailspin. Maybe that's why this sport has never really gone mainstream — the traditionalists won't allow it.

That's disappointing, isn't it?

Anyway, there you have it. One fan's nostalgic throwback in the Rbk EDGE template. It's a beautiful thing. It's basically the same as the '90s logo that failed after just a season with the aqua color replaced by gray. So anyway, I don't hate it but I give it no chance of actually making it onto the backs of an Islander players.

So speaking of getting all radical and crazy, I came across the coolest web site the other day. Somebody came up with a whole slew of concept logos for NHL teams. I'm going to put them all in one big post on Tuesday, but thought I'd give you a little preview today. Just look at that thing. I don't even know what pee wee team should have that lighthouse on their sweaters.

These works of art are nothing short of sheer genius. I mean, the "NY" cleverly placed within an anchor! Does it really get any better than this?

Okay, I'll stop now. While the Islanders have no intention — at least not publicly — of changing their logo, these logos are still fun. And they've been around several years, as indicated by the copyright date.

So I hope you enjoyed that at least a little bit. Just something to laugh at on your Sunday afternoon.

Up next: the New York Rangers — and that's coming later today in the second of two posts.

2007-08 NHL Team Logo Changes

All right, so we know all 30 clubs are getting brand spanking new uniforms this fall with the league converting everyone to the new Rbk EDGE jerseys. The question is who will be getting new logos to match? It's difficult to keep track. Here's what I know or have heard through solid or weak sources divided into three categories.

"Definite" means the team has either announced publicly or to retailers a logo change is coming. In most cases, they've also released an announcement date. "Probable" means that according to multiple sources, a change is coming but nothing is set in stone and no announcement date has been released. "Maybe But Maybe Not" indicates a logo change has been mentioned by people mouthing off about things they don't know. The thing is though, some of them do know what they're talking about and I want to have all my ducks in a row. That was all rather self-explanatory.

DEFINITE
• Vancouver Canucks (Aug 01)
• Washington Capitals (Jun 22)

PROBABLE
• Boston Bruins
• Ottawa Senators
• San Jose Sharks
• Tampa Bay Lightning

MAYBE BUT MAYBE NOT
• Dallas Stars
• Toronto Maple Leafs

Now I'm creating one more category. It's the teams I think should consider a logo change this season.

CHANGE, PLEASE
• Anaheim Ducks
• Buffalo Sabres
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Edmonton Oilers
• New York Rangers

Follow-up On The B's

Yeah, so not all that surprisingly there's been no announcement of a new logo for the Boston Bruins today. Although I have since rather conveniently read that there will be an announcement at the draft, a la the Washington Capitals. So whatever, I've heard there will be a new logo this year but until we get official word from the league or team, they're not going in the sidebar countdown.

If they decide to surprise us, then so be it. I'll have coverage here.

HF&P, Part 14: Pittsburgh Penguins

I know my "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series has been waning as of late, but as of today it's back and better than ever. The reason: I am now armed with tons of new fan artwork. Some of it is pretty awesome. Some of it is pretty dreadful. Today we'll be getting a concoction of both as we take a look at the Pittsburgh Penguins.

By the way, if you don't know what this series is about, check out the original post and some of the others in the series.

First off, I've hated the yellow ever since they upgraded to gold. No sense in going back. If you don't know what I mean, the color in the jersey to the right is a perfect example. But as I've mentioned before, this artist is very nostalgic and gives all his uniform renderings that touch. Replace that yellow and I think these are very good representations of what we'd all like to see for the Pens come the fall.

Second, I love the blue third jersey! I know the league has been talking about dumping that program for the new season while everyone adjusts to the sweeping uniform changes, but I love that blue jersey. I love the creativity and the designer's sense of nostalgia. One thing: The logo has never had a blue triangle. Switch it back to gold but keep the jersey blue. Awesome.

You didn't think I was done yet did you? This design is nothing new — as indicated by the 2004 copyright — and they feature the old jersey design. Still, I thought they warranted comment since they're just that cool. I think it's a really neat design that isn't seen in the NHL but should be. Not only that, I'm afraid of that penguin. It's just a very cool modernized version of the penguin they currently use in their logo. I miss the triangle, though. I'm sure they could work one in.

Anyway, that's what some fans see in the future for Pittsburgh uniforms. We won't know for sure, one way or the other, until the summer when the teams start unveiling their new duds. Keep it here for info on that, by the way, as it becomes available.

Next up: the New York Islanders (and you're going to laugh your ass off when you see it).