Predators vs Coyotes

	vs
PREDATORS		COYOTES
7-6		5-6

The Aesthetics
Both of these logos are wild animals with wide open mouths. Because of that, there are a lot of similar elements. The biggest difference, aside from color, is the fact that the there's so much more detail in the Predators logo. Normally that wouldn't be a plus, but here it is. The Coyotes logo is just awkward looking to me.
Predators

The Nickname
We've got cats and dogs here. And normally you'd think the dog would beat the cat, but check out the teeth on the Predator. That Coyote never had a chance.
Predators

The Analysis
As a desert icon, the Coyotes couldn't have chosen a better name for the team — not that the Predators didn't. The Coyotes even have great colors, but I liked the original logo better. The Predators logo kind of has a lot of colors. All things considered, I think it wouldn't hurt to simplify it a little. But overall, I find it to be a little better of a logo. The Preds close out their schedule with the sweep.
Predators

WINNER

3-0

 

Flames vs Blackhawks

	vs
FLAMES		BLACKHAWKS
12-1		2-11

The Aesthetics
Both of these teams wrap up their schedule today. Let's see how they fair. You probably already know who I like better for this category. And if you don't, it's the Flames. What's going on in the Blackhawks logo? Do they have a defined color scheme? Is there a way to find it in the logo? No? Meanwhile, the flaming "C" is cool, especially in black.
Flames

The Nickname
Humans have never been able to really control fire, not even Chief Blackhawk himself. A few Flames get out of control here and there and suddenly the entire state of California is under a wildfire watch.
Flames

The Analysis
Many have argued that I'm insane because I don't agree with "many other sports fans" who consider the Blackhawks logo to be one of the best ever. Thing is, I'm insane for so many reasons, and that's not any of them. It's a good solid logo as far as that goes. But as for what makes it one of the best in all of sports, I am at a loss. It looks to me like a well-drawn Indian head that was scribbled on at one point — and then left that way. But, as I've said before, who am I to say? You guys will get to decide once and for all. Voting starts on August 12. Mark your calendars! In the interim, it's a season finale sweep for the Flames.
Flames

WINNER

3-0

 

Blues vs Flames

	vs
BLUES		FLAMES
5-8		11-1

The Aesthetics
Well, it's the end of the line for the Blues today. Good or bad, its their final match. And it's a tough one for me. One little nitpick I have on the Blues logo is how the top yellow line inside the "wing" goes too far to the left, almost touching that indented area. I don't know why it bothers me or how it can be properly rectified. And anyway, what's cooler than the flaming "C" logo?
Flames

The Nickname
Flames would burn a Blues man and melt his trumpet. He should stay away from fire.
Flames

The Analysis
I always sort of liked the secondary logo the Blues wore back in the mid-'90s during the period when red was one of their colors. I think a trumpet would make a great logo for them, not that the musical note isn't. But you know me, always one for change. Except for the Flames logo. That one is cool. You know why. Sorry, Blues fans. Not feeling it today, I guess. It was a good run.
Flames

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

 

Blue Jackets vs Coyotes

	vs
BLUE JACKETS		COYOTES
11-2		5-6

The Aesthetics
These are a couple of young logos — less than five years under their belts. The Coyotes logo certainly says desert but not any better than the old one. I like it, but not more than the Blue Jackets logo. These is where small detail can actually help.
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
If a Coyote snuck up on a Blue Jacket while he was sleeping, do you think he'd be able to react quick enough to avoid becoming dinner? I have my doubts.
Coyotes

The Analysis
The Blue Jackets logo features an Ohio flag forming a "C" for Columbus. How can you improve on that? The Jackets definitely hit the mark with this logo. Nice to see them going with it as the primary this season. The Coyotes logo doesn't really have anything like that and it just looks awkward to me. By the way, this is the finale for the Jackets.
Blue Jackets

WINNER

2-1

 

Kings vs Blue Jackets

	vs
KINGS		BLUE JACKETS
7-5		10-2

The Aesthetics
Both of these logos have lots of pointy edges. I don't know why that matters. Anyway, I like the color schemes in each logo and despite the fact that neither one has existed for very long, I see the Blue Jackets logo becoming a classic... you know, one day when the team actually makes the playoffs and that sort of thing. The Kings have struggled to find an identity when it comes to logos and I feel like this is just another in a long line.
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
An army is usually at the King's command. But in fact, it was the ancestors of the Blue Jackets who overthrew the King almost a hundred years before. So it's in their blood.
Blue Jackets

The Analysis
I know it isn't vital for a logo to incorporate the home city, but it's always a nice touch. You've got suns on either side of the crown in the Kings logo and the Ohio flag wrapping around a silver star for the Blue Jackets. I'm also a fan of subtlety in logos and the Kings are guilty. Check out those hockey sticks on top of the crown. If they were blatant, I'd be hesitant, but since they aren't, they'll help the Kings logo avoid the sweep. One more match left for each logo in this tournament.
Kings

WINNER

2-1

 

Blue Jackets vs Stars

	vs
BLUE JACKETS		STARS
10-1		6-5

The Aesthetics
Both of these logos have five-pointed stars as a primary element. You could even say the Stars have two stars — a gold one and a green one. Ah, but the Blue Jackets logo has the most when you count the 12 in the Ohio flag. So I'll give them this point for that and the fact that there are no words in it. A logo is a symbol in my book. (And don't start in with how words are symbols too. I don't want to hear about it.)
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
I don't think the Blue Jackets win this war. A bayonet doesn't stop a Star from burning. Not even a little bit.
Stars

The Analysis
This is a difficult decision. Both of these logos are appropriate. I've talked about the big "lone star" in the Stars logo a number of times. The Ohio flag almost forms a "jacket" around the silver star. But I like the Stars logo's Texas reference. It's clever.
Stars

WINNER

2-1

 

Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets

	vs
BLACKHAWKS		BLUE JACKETS
2-10		9-1

The Aesthetics
I should start out by saying that despite how many people apparently think the Blackhawks have the best logo in sports, I don't see it. And I don't really like it. I think improvements could be made. I'd also question what makes it the best. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets logo is pretty killer. We should count how many NHL logos have the letter "C" in them.
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
The Blue Jackets in the Union Army would have surely been able to take Chief Blackhawk and his band. Maybe they did.
Blue Jackets

The Analysis
Try not to jump up and down on my head, but i just think that the Blue Jackets logo makes a better symbol for its team. Let the harrassment begin. At least the Blue Jackets logo has a defined color scheme. There's way to much going on in the Blackhawks logo. Let's tone down the colors a little. That's all I'm saying. And the Jackets logo has an Ohio flag that forms a "C" for Columbus.
Blue Jackets

WINNER

3-0

 

Red Wings vs Avalanche

	vs
RED WINGS		AVALANCHE
4-8		10-1

The Aesthetics
When these teams get together, it's usually the greatest playoff hockey you could hope for. But when comparing their logos head-to-head, there's really no question in my mind as to who takes the cake.
Avalanche

The Nickname
Red-Winged birds have no fearing falling snow as they can simply fly over an Avalanche. Not too close, though.
Red Wings

The Analysis
I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the longevity of the Red Wings logo. I'd also get an earful from ultra-traditionalists who fear change with regard to the Original Six like the very plague if I suggested an upgrade of any kind for it. But let me just remind you all of the new Boston Bruins logo. No limbs were lost when that was unveiled. So open your minds a little... and accept the fact that one day the Avalanche logo will be looked upon as a sports logo classic in the same way — except better because as of right now, it doesn't need an upgrade. Any changes would only hurt it. You see where I'm going now?
Avalanche

WINNER

2-1

 

Kings vs Blues

	vs
KINGS		BLUES
5-5		5-7

The Aesthetics
Some logos just don't look very good next to each other. These two look very good. It's kind of a wonder they seem to be bathed in mediocrity in this competition (or not based on my bad judgment). One thing that always gets me is the two-tone blues of the Blues logo. That's unique and very cool in combination with the yellow trim. I hope they don't lose that anytime soon. Unfortunately for the Kings, all I keep seeing right now are all the little circles. There must be like a dozen of them on that crown.
Blues

The Nickname
All right, you can already tell this one is going to be a stretch. Do you suppose a King would simply be able to hire a person to play music for him, be it Blues or anything else?
Kings

The Analysis
I like the subtle hockey sticks at the top of the crown and the suns on either side of it in the Kings logo. But I also like the Blues logo as it has been recently pointed out to me that the logo is a 64th note and the city of St. Louis was founded in 1764. So what it comes down to is which one works better. Frankly, I think the Blues logo looks more like a wing than a 64th note but it was a good effort. Kings, please.
Kings

WINNER

2-1