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.