Canadiens vs Sabres


vs
CANADIENS
SABRES
8-4
6-6

The Aesthetics
The blue abounds. This competition isn't based on tradition (or else most teams wouldn't even get a fair shot) so don't think I'm picking the Canadiens logo just because it's been around as long as dirt. It's got good, strong colors and is very clearly defined. Often people have a hard time discerning what the Sabres logo is as the creature appears to have no legs. Let's move on.
Canadiens

The Nickname
Unless the Canadien was a strong swordsman, a Sabre would likely end him.
Sabres

The Analysis
Once again the Sabres lose the point because the actual team name seems to have been more of an afterthought in designing this logo. Yes, it's supposed to be a buffalo but I'm not buying the blue sabre across its back. The Canadiens have a solid image which has withstood the test of time. I don't want to get into the whole "H" debate again, though, so I'll just leave that be and say that's why the Canadiens logo earns this point.
Canadiens


WINNER
2-1

 

Stars vs Oilers


vs
STARS
OILERS
7-5
1-10

The Aesthetics
All right, so both of these logos feature the team name as a main element, I'm sorry to say. The Oilers name appears to take up more of the logo than anything else but the the Stars logo also has the city name on it. Which is worse? A single drop of oil is meant to graphically symbolize the Oilers so we'll go with the Stars logo since it at least has a giant star on it.
Stars

The Nickname
Remember that giant ball of fire. Imagine a Star coming in contact with an oil pit. All of the Oilers would be toast. Or, incinerated, rather.
Stars

The Analysis
I thought the Stars logo looked great on all the Stanley Cup champion merchandise back in 1999. It's been a while since we've seen the Oilers logo on that stuff. All right, cheap shot. I apologize. I think despite its tradition, the Oilers might be better served by something like the logo they've been wearing on their third jersey. That was very sharp. The Stars should never ever reconsider their third jersey logo. I recently read where someone called it a "mooterus" which had me laughing out loud for a moment. Sweep for the Stars.
Stars


WINNER
3-0

 

Red Wings vs Predators


vs
RED WINGS
PREDATORS
4-9
7-5

The Aesthetics
Neither of these logos are very simple in design but they're complete opposites in color. The Red Wings logo is rather monochrome while the Predators logo just goes nuts with color. Ultimately, that will give the Preds the edge here.
Predators

The Nickname
I'd imagine any Red-Winged bird would be smart enough to fly up high so as to avoid the Predators on the ground.
Red Wings

The Analysis
Even though I think the Red Wings logo could use some upgrades (think Boston Bruins), it is still very effective and one of the most well-known in all of sports. That has to earn it some credit, right? The reason I'm giving in this point, though, is because it takes that extra step in referencing their home city with the wheel (you know, Motor City) while the Predators does not. And so ends the tournament for the Wings.
Red Wings


WINNER
2-1

 

Senators vs Panthers


vs
SENATORS
PANTHERS
5-6
11-2

The Aesthetics
There's a lot of detail in each logo but it doesn't really get bogged down in it. But still, that panther is scary. We're anticipating a logo change for the Senators, but could it really be better than the Panthers?
Panthers

The Nickname
It's a Senator who sits in his government office making laws to protect animals such as the Panther. He, therefore, has the upper hand in this relationship.
Senators

The Analysis
These two teams have nicknames that are associated with their city, so a logo that references it specifically is doing double duty. The Florida panther is from Florida. Ottawa is the capital oif Canada where government representatives get together. But in the Senators logo, you could say there's a gold "O" for Ottawa and a red "C" for Canada. Or at least that's what I'm telling people. And the Panthers are done for this tournament.
Senators


WINNER
2-1

 

Mailbag: "Buffaslug" A Scam?

Ever since I set up an email address for this blog, I've been getting some of the most interesting and strange emails I've ever seen. I'm filing this one in the nutty bin but I wanted to at least show it to all of you. Before I say anything about it, just have a read and then feel free to laugh to yourself for a little while.

the sabres slug was a scam. they are planning on revealing the final logo this september. the new blue and gold project was in on it the whole time.
http://www.newblueandgold.com/photos/i/sabresconfidentialphoto.jpg


That was the cryptic message I received today. Verbatim. And the image to which he linked can be seen below.

Now, for the record, I think the Blue & Gold Project is amazing. I've had a link to it on the sidebar since I started this site. John Slabyk does some of the best work I've ever seen. I was a graphic artist for a newspaper for eight years and every time I think about going back into the field, I see work like that and think twice. (That's why I'm sticking with television.)

Anyway, having said that, it would be utterly ridiculous for us to really put stock in this email. As we know, Photoshop is more prevalent than ever these days and therefore what you see, is not necessarily what you will get. The reason I say it is ridiculous is that there's no way a multi-million-dollar NHL club goes through the hassle of creating a whole new identity, only to dump it after just 12 months.

Forget the uniforms. Think of all the hats, t-shirts, bumper stickers and other merchandise with the "Buffaslug" logo. Think of how much money it would cost to create all new merchandise with a new logo. I'm sorry, I do love the logo Slabyk created and I hope one day the Buffalo Sabres can use it or something similar, but don't hold your breath for this season.

If you have a question or comment you'd like to submit by email, you can reach me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

UPDATE (8/5 6:16 PM): We need to ease off on all the confusion here. I'm reading in some places things that would make English teachers everywhere sit down on the floor and cry. If only people would read.

The image featured in this post, as was stated, is just for fun. But to clear things up, I wanted to add the screen grab in the comments to the actual post as an update. As you can see, there's a very clever watermark in the image proving its lack of authenticity as far as that goes. I'm trying not to spread rumors here, but the trick is reading what gets posted along with the pictures.