More Habs Anyone?

On Thursday, I ran an Atlanta-themed concept post. Tonight, it's all about the Montreal Canadiens. I have several concepts I feel like sharing.

Last week I posted a bunch of third jersey artwork which included a half blue, half red Habs sweater. I wondered aloud what such a thing might look like on a player. And because you guys are just awesome like that, someone took to Photoshop and here is the result.

I'm thinking that's probably a no. But as far as a blue Canadiens jersey goes, we shouldn't toss out the idea altogether should we? The AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs handled a similar jersey effectively — as proven by the club's mascot.

Here's what that would look like in Rbk EDGE template form. They could do a lot worse. That's all I'm saying.

Though there is one element here that doesn't work well. The white stripe across the middle makes it difficult to put contrasting numbers on the back. The cure for that is running a red stripe in its place.

I'm posting both of these graphics to show different possibilities for the shade of blue. Personally, I'm more a fan of the darker blue.

Overall, I think blue would be a good direction for the Habs if a third jersey is in their future. I never cared much for the white ones they used to sport. What do you guys think? Post your comments below.

Poll: Senators vs Panthers

	vs
Ottawa SENATORS		Florida PANTHERS

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date Sat Nov 17

Poll closing date Wed Nov 21

07TJTRN | #2D | OTTvFLA

Just To Freak You Out XV

We were a little thin in terms of new Freak Out art this week, so forgive me if today's post is a little light. Still, nothing pleases me more than trying to freak you guys out with some crazy concept art.

As many of you know, the NHL unveiled the 2008 All-Star Game sweaters this week. Reader reaction here was not great. In fact, I got some very Freak Out-worthy concepts based off of those jerseys.

John sent those in along with a few others. You'll be able to find them in the Concepts Gallery this weekend.

We'll keep things moving with the Pittsburgh Penguins next. Each concept here imagines a drastic change. For instance, the first example suggests renaming the team the Pirates — a club that once existed in Pittsburgh during the early years of the NHL.

And the second suggests that the team keep the name but move to Russia.

That silly penguin even looks Russian.

And then, this goes out to all the folks from Quebec. It just doesn't look right. At all.

We'll keep things in the Western Conference now. With all the vanity in the world these days, you had to see this coming.

It seems even the Chicago Blackhawks' Indian head wanted a facelift. Either that or he got the Botox. And don't think I'm ignoring the Bears reference in there.

Next we'll head to Detroit where I'm quite concerned.

I think the grey jersey is an interesting choice, but I don't think an octopus will ever be anything but scary on a Red Wings concept. That tradition should stay off the sweater. Having said that, as a logo itself, it's not bad. But I'm still very, very concerned.

And finally, with Christmas just 39 days away, I thought I'd start my decorating now.

Ho ho ho!

If you've made or run across any concepts you think might be worth posting for Freak Out Friday, don't be shy. Send them along! You can email me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

Poll: Wild vs Rangers

	vs
Minnesota WILD		New York RANGERS

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date Fri Nov 16

Poll closing date Tue Nov 20

07TJTRN | #2C | MINvNYR

This One's All Atlanta

As the title implies, this post will stick to an Atlanta-based theme. We'll start with the team currently in that town — the Thrashers.

A reader emailed in this concept which calls for a return to the days of going heavy on the dark blue and maroon. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a bad look. I just prefer the light blue jerseys. One of the best in the league, if you want my opinion — which I'm sure many of you don't.

I bet the asymmetry of that blue jersey is causing aneurysms for a good number of you. I think it's a winner. Not really feeling the sleeves on the white jersey, however. I know what's being attempted, but it just isn't working. Thoughts?

Now let's take a blast from the past with the Atlanta Flames.

You might notice Jarome Iginla's name on the back of these sweaters. Try to ignore the Calgary connection. I really am trying to write an Atlanta post. The one on the left is a little plain but I like the city name down the sleeve. The crest is awkwardly large however. What I like is the one on the right which is oversized just right — if that makes any sense.

I think this is a really cool idea. The giant logo basically becomes the jersey design. I think it provides a really cool effect. Not sure how great it would look on the ice, however. But by itself there, I'm a fan.

And finally, we'll top things off with the 2008 NHL All-Star Game which is being hosted by the great city of Atlanta. The jerseys for that game were recently unveiled to the general disappointment of a lot of the readers here. One fan emailed in a couple of concepts for the big game. They're not bad, but they do borrow heavily from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Oh, and before a handful of you start needlessly jumping up and down on the designer, let me point out that we know a design like this prohibits the use of a "C" or "A" on the chest. And I do think the all-star and team logos should be left on the shoulders. Other than that, I think they work. Perhaps we'll see something similar in the future.

Until then, we have what we have.