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

 

Oh, Canada!

I just posted Maple Leafs news with a tidbit about the Oilers' unveiling date. But wait! I have three more Canadian teams to work in today. Let's start out with the Montreal Canadiens because I haven't really had anything to post for them.

This is allegedly a photo of the Habs' new Rbk EDGE road jersey. But so much about it jumps out at me indicating that its not the real deal. First off, it's ugly as fuck (pardon that, please). Apologies to the person who designed it, but the stripage — yeesh! Anyway, the color at the cuff is off and the whole thing just feels very... fake, to me. Anybody else getting that feeling?

Next, we have another alleged photo of a Calgary Flames home jersey.

Don't we love how all these photos look so crystal clear? I get that many cell phone cameras are substandard, but are we to assume that everyone who has sneaky access to the new uniforms can't afford better than a $20 phone? And, exit soap box.

It's an interesting design and one that feels like something we've seen before. Anyway, if anyone can cull anything from that secondary logo, let us know. Can we find it on the shoulder of some minor league team someplace? Or are the Flames actually getting a new one as the horse with the flaming nostrils meets his maker?

Finally, I wanted to leave you with something to laugh at. It is in fact a Photoshop job, just as the upper right corner of the image informs us. The designer was just adapting a photo to the potentially leaked images we saw the other day if for no other reason than to supply us with a better visual.

So what are your thoughts everybody? The only other Canadian team I didn't cover today is the Ottawa Senators but we took care of them on Wednesday.

Panthers vs Canadiens

	vs
PANTHERS		CANADIENS
11-1		7-4

The Aesthetics
That panther makes for one fierce logo. Unfortunately for the Panthers, though, simplicity is going to win the day for the Canadiens logo. There's a profound quality to it that's hard to describe which likely stems from the fact that it's only been around since the beginning of time itself. No, I'm not usually one to bend to the irritating whim of tradition, but what can I say? I'm helpless against the force today.
Canadiens

The Nickname
On the other hand, a hungry Panther would totally eat a Canadien for breakfast.
Panthers

The Analysis
The Panthers logo speaks for itself, but not necessarily Florida or Miami. Whatever. The Canadiens logo speaks French to me, although there's been some debate about the meaning of the "H" here among the readers at the NHLToL. And when I say "debate," I of course mean me being a smartass. Now once and for all, may I state my opinion here before ultimately giving this point to the Habs. I understand that back in the day (1917 to be precise, right?), the "H" stood for hockey as the team was called Le Club de Hockey Canadien or something to that effect. However, my (ignorant?) stance is that in today's world where the team is more commonly known as the Habs, why can't the logo evolve to take on new meanings? I'm actually asking if anyone has a good reason why that makes absolutely no sense. Because I'm sure that's the case.
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

New Sharks, Canadiens Jersey Design Concepts

I was pointed the way of another fan-made jersey design concept for the San Jose Sharks. The designer doesn't seem to be a big fan of the orange being added to the color scheme as its used very sparingly here.

It's neat and I think it could probably work. Though I'd expect to see something rather different when the Sharks actually unveil their new jerseys in September.

And while we're looking at fan-designed jersey concepts, I've got one for Montreal Canadiens fans. Like many others, it's based off of this year's all-star jerseys so the real deal probably won't look anything like this. The one thing I wouldn't be surprised to see is the giant logo on the front. That seems to be a theme among all the jerseys that have already been officially unveiled.

Anyway, I haven't heard anything official from the Canadiens regarding an announcement or unveiling date, so we'll keep our ears and eyes peeled until we do.

Lightning vs Canadiens

	vs
LIGHTNING		CANADIENS
5-5		7-3

The Aesthetics
Man, I'm starting to get too predictable. If it's got words, count it out. But wait! Do I have a surprise for you! You see, the Canadiens logo is all letters — a "C" and an "H" — while the Lightning logo may have the team name, it actually has a graphic symbol of a lightning bolt. Try to resist the temptation of calling me biased. My team's logo sucks and is performing as such in this tournament.
Lightning

The Nickname
Imagine being a Canadien walking down the street only to then be struck by Lightning. That would hurt.
Lightning

The Analysis
I've been getting conflicting reports from visitors to the blog over whether the "H" in the Canadiens logo stands for "hockey" or "Habs" — as in Les Habitants. Unfortunately for me, neither visitor has identified himself as a sports or hockey historian leaving me with no real answers. (One even asked to get my facts straight at Wikipedia of all places.) Regardless, I think the "H" is cool. I think it's cool that it could stand for either one of those things — or both. There's nothing that cool about the Lightning logo. No sweep.
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Devils vs Canadiens

	vs
DEVILS		CANADIENS
11-1		7-2

The Aesthetics
With only a single match remaining after today, the Devils have proven to be a real contender among the NHL's best logos. I'm rather impressed, actually. It's difficult to say which logo should get this point. The color schemes are very appropriate to each and feature cool, subtle letters. The reason I'm going with the Devils logo is that its subtle letters actually form the devil. That's the makings of a good logo.
Devils

The Nickname
We've discussed what an evil bastard the Devil is. Even Canadiens aren't exempt from the wrath of his wretchedness.
Devils

The Analysis
While it could be open to discussion as to which logo really earned this point, I'm going to say the Canadiens logo deserves it. The mysterious "H" inside the "C" was finally revealed recently by a reader. I was hoping to save it for the Canadiens' last match of the tournament, but we can give it up here in number 10. It stands for "Les Habitants," a French message for the fans dating back to the club's early days. Where's the subtle message in the Devils' logo?
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Oodles Of Rbk EDGE Jersey Concepts

All right now, I know this is exciting stuff but please try to contain yourselves. A great reader to whom I'm enormously appreciative sent links my way for the jersey artwork you see below. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE IT WITH ACTUAL OFFICIAL DESIGNS. These are merely the work of an artistically-inclined hockey fan pondering on the future of the NHL's aesthetics.

To enlarge an image below, just click on it. The designer of these went through the painstaking task of creating three different design schemes for 17 different teams, one of which doesn't even exist. It's worth noting that the NHL has said there will be no third jerseys this year during the transition to the new Reebok sweaters. Though I don't know who created them, these designs are just for fun. I'd implore you to avoid the urge to post a comment about how they aren't real, lest you lack the reading skills of a third-grader. (In which case nothing I write would matter.)

For your pleasure, I'll go through each of them one-by-one.

CONCEPTS #1
Not much to speak of with regard to the Canadiens designs. It's basically what they wear now with more curvy lines. The Penguins designs are interesting, if for no other reason than the alternate is a throwback to the days when the club wore blue. The Rangers concepts update the name running across the front while keeping Statue of Liberty logo on an alternate jersey. Personally I'm of the opinion it would make a great crest on a jersey worn night in and night out. But it's not my call. What's interesting to note here is the jersey number placed on the bottom corner of the front of the alternate.

Then there's the Bruins concepts wherein we realize this must be the musings of a fan as the Bruins have already unveiled their jerseys which look nothing like this. I'm a little creeped out by what appears to be a lion head on the alternate. (Don't try and tell me that's a bear.) Beneath that is a series of Sabres jerseys with a fun throwback as an alternate. Don't count on seeing that on the backs of Buffalo players anytime soon.

CONCEPTS #2
First off, the team on top, the Kansas City Scouts, haven't existed for the better part of three decades. Let's not let that stop us though. With all this talk about KC becoming an NHL market in the near future, who wouldn't wonder? But I doubt seriously they'd go back to that old gem. It is interesting to look at though. The Stars are rumored to be foregoing the traditional crest for the word "DALLAS" across the front of the road jerseys. Is this the NBA now? Let's not have any cheating refs, at least. As for the other two designs, I'm partial to the green.

I like the minor upgrades made to the Maple Leafs logo but the design could use some work. We'll waive straight stripes in place of curvy ones for the Stars yet not the traditional Leafs? The silver is a nice touch, however, on the alternate. A twist on the stick-in-rink Canucks logo doesn't improve it in my eyes. But I do like the colors. And as for the Senators design, it's basically an Rbk EDGE twist on the current sweaters. The Sens should be getting a new logo though, so I wouldn't count on seeing this on the ice.

CONCEPT #3
The hockey world seems to be taken with this Sharks logo thought to have been leaked by the club itself. Personally, I'm skeptical but that's my nature. And while I don't love it, I'm a big fan of that color scheme. I wouldn't mind seeing players wearing something like that. The white and blue Lightning jerseys I've posted before. The black one is kind of cool and I wouldn't mind a design like that on my team. The logo is growing on me a little. But the team hasn't made an official announcement yet so take it for what it's worth.

The Blues design is cool. I like the light blue alternate and even the name written across the chest doesn't bother me that much. The Avalanche concepts are very sharp. They should be so lucky as to be wearing something like that this fall. My praise, however, falls short on sight of the alternate. No, no, no. I applaud the effort, but still... no. As for the Hurricanes design. In my mind, it would be hands-down best in the league. It's the best concept I've seen so far this summer for any team!

CONCEPT #4
The Red Wings designs are simple enough. Perhaps a little too simple. And the maroon and red of the alternate clash in a way that hurts my brain. I like the Islanders concepts as well. The slanted bars on the alternate are especially cool and I don't think any Isles fans would complain if their team went with something in this neighborhood.

And there you have it. Now that you've got my opinion on all 17 designs, tell me yours! Comment below!

Canadiens vs Thrashers

	vs
CANADIENS		THRASHERS
6-2		4-4

The Aesthetics
As far as looks, I think the Thrashers have a great, strong logo. Unique color scheme. The hockey stick turns me off, though. The Canadiens logo, on the other hand, is very bold. It just stands out. And the bleu, blanc et rouge? Don't question it.
Canadiens

The Nickname
I feel like we've had a similar incident before, but say a Thrasher is flying in the air. It would be very easy for him to lay a "bomb" on the head of an unwitting Canadien.
Thrashers

The Analysis
First off, you'll notice that while the Thrashers logo actually features a bird, the Canadiens doesn't truly symbolize what it's meant to. But then the question is what does a "Canadien" look like anyway? So I guess the "C" is appropriate. It's well-designed and pays homage to the past in an aesthetically-pleasing manner. But enough talk about that. The Thrashers logo has some rather cool colors, but that would've earned it credit in Aesthetics above. Here, you gotta have something deeper. And the Habs have it. (That mysterious "H.")
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Canadiens vs Flyers

	vs
CANADIENS		FLYERS
5-2		4-3

The Aesthetics
Here, both teams have rather generic names both logos are letter-based — one a "C" and the other a "P." And there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I'm all for it. I'm also all for the use of color, which is rather lacking in the Flyers logo. A single small circle of orange doesn't exactly spread around the color. Like I've said, I like the third jersey logo a little better.
Canadiens

The Nickname
I'm not sure how a battle between a Canadien and a Flyer would go down, but if we say a Flyer is a bird, those are nasty little pooping machines and no one is safe when they are airborne.
Flyers

The Analysis
One thing I should've mentioned in the Aesthetics section is the attractive simplicity of these two logos. There's not a lot of annoying detail here, just plain old great logos. And they're similar in a lot of ways. In fact, both are division leaders at the moment. But ultimately, it's the use of color, the subtle "H" and the Flyers logo's need for an upgrade that insures the victory for the Canadiens.
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Capitals vs Canadiens

	vs
CAPITALS		CANADIENS
3-2		5-1

The Aesthetics
The red, white and blue abound here with the Caps' recent return to the original colors. Unfortunately for them, I felt it was the bronze and blue that made them stand out — in a good way. For choosing a new logo that spells out the name — and uses a hockey stick and puck, all of which I hate — I should take the point away out of spite. But I'm not like that. The Habs' logo is actually better looking and more balanced.
Canadiens

The Nickname
A Canadien is a citizen and is therefore subject to the laws created and passed in the Capital.
Capitals

The Analysis
Being that it was just unveiled last month, the Capitals logo has a more contemporary feel than one that was basically designed almost a hundred years ago. Matched with the fact that the Caps actually makes an attempt at alluding to its home city with the stars of the D.C. flag representing Maryland, Virginia and the district itself, I'm tempted to give it to the Capitals right there. I can't say the Canadiens didn't put up a fight, though.
Capitals

WINNER

2-1