Flyers vs Hurricanes

	vs
FLYERS		HURRICANES
1-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
Both logos utilize black and white along with a primary color — red for the Hurricanes and orange for the Flyers. But the Hurricanes logo adds a silver accent. The Flyers works in a subtle "P" while the Hurricanes has a subtle puck. It's a tough one, but the Hurricanes gets the edge.
Hurricanes

The Nickname
Nothing can Fly anything in a Hurricane. It's as simple as that.
Hurricanes

The Analysis
I've always thought the Liberty Bell would make a good secondary logo for the Flyers, just like a torn hurricane flag makes a good secondary for the Hurricanes. But this competition is about primaries. Having said that, the Hurricanes name might be more appropriate for a team closer to the Gulf of Mexico, but still works for a state that has had its share of Hurricanes. I still don't really know what a "flyer" is exactly.
Hurricanes

WINNER

3-0

 

Maple Leafs vs Lightning

	vs
MAPLE LEAFS		LIGHTNING
0-1		0-0

The Aesthetics
Both of these teams break one of my cardinal rules. Spelling out the name in the primary logo. There's no need. It should be obvious which teams these are simply by the elements (i.e.: the leaf and the lightning bolt). That aside, the Lightning gets the edge for its use of color.
Lightning

The Nickname
If Lightning struck a maple tree, all the Maple Leafs would go up in flames.
Lightning

The Analysis
Both teams are very aptly named. The leaf featured on the Canadian flag is used on a different color and Tampa, Florida is deemed by some to be the lightning capital of the world. The Maple Leafs logo has been around forever while the Lightning has only been around 15 years. The Maple Leafs has proved staying power but silhouette logos are too easy.
Lightning

WINNER

3-0

 

Sabres vs Flyers

	vs
SABRES		FLYERS
1-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
The Flyers logo is almost overly simplistic but is a classic. Upgrades are always welcome, however, for logos that have existed for 30 years or more. The third-jersey logo is a good example of what can be done. The Sabres logo features nice colors but no sword.
Flyers

The Nickname
Are we to assume a Flyer is a bird of some type or an informational sheet? Either way, if it were to get in the way of a Sabre, its days would be over.
Sabres

The Analysis
Flyers is one of those generic team names that doesn't mean anything but its long, storied existence strikes fear into the heart of opponents. Unfortunately for them, this game doesn't work that way. Still, the weak logo design for the Sabres gives the Flyers the edge.
Flyers

WINNER

2-1

 

Thrashers vs Panthers

	vs
THRASHERS		PANTHERS
0-1		0-0

The Aesthetics
Both logos have very appealing color schemes but the Panthers logo is just a little too detailed for a good embroidery on a hat. The Thrashers logo incorporates a hockey stick which can be irritating in NHL logos. The Panther, however, is a lot more fierce-looking than the Thrasher. It gets the edge there.
Panthers

The Nickname
You might assume that since the Thrasher flies way above the Panther's head, it would easily take the cake. But the bird has to come down some time, perhaps for a worm dinner. That's when the cat gets its bird dinner.
Panthers

The Analysis
The Florida panther is an endangered species. The Thrasher is a songbird. The Panther was an easy choice for the south Florida-based team. But as a Lightning fan, I sometimes wonder why they went with Florida over Miami when naming the team. But then again, their cat is called the Florida panther.
Panthers

WINNER

3-0

 

Penguins vs Capitals

	vs
PENGUINS		CAPITALS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
Right off, both logos have a lot of complexities though we find a lot more in the Capitals, obviously. On the other hand, its colors are appealing and used well. The Penguins makes use of only a single color outside of black and white (albeit a good color). Despite the Capitals' use of a script spelling out the team name (and city) within in the logo, it still squeaks by with the point.
Capitals

The Nickname
If we assume the Capitals are lawmakers of some sort, then it's their job to write laws to protect Penguins and other animals. They therefore have the upper hand.
Capitals

The Analysis
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States so the name seems like a rather obvious choice. But as far as the name goes, my question is: What is a Capital? A Penguin is a little ineffectual flightless bird. Regardless, I don't know what relevance Penguins have to the city of Pittsburgh as Penguins tend to live in rather chilly locales.
Capitals

WINNER

3-0

 

Sabres vs Maple Leafs

	vs
SABRES		MAPLE LEAFS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
The Maple Leafs' crest is rather one-dimensional and while the Sabres' isn't the worst-looking logo in Buffalo sports, it's pretty bad. Still, the edge goes to them only slightly for its style and use of color.
Sabres

The Nickname
If a swordsman was riding through the woods, his Sabre would easily slice through any Maple Leaf that might get in its way.
Sabres

The Analysis
I don't understand why every team from Buffalo, New York must have a buffalo in its logo. I get the importance of the animal to the area, but put it on the shoulder. Why has the saber been relegated to the secondary mark? My favorite Sabres logo ever was the one used on the front of the red third jerseys. This one is a no brainer. What symbol is on the Canadian flag? This is Toronto. Enough said.
Maple Leafs

WINNER

2-1

 

Thrashers vs Rangers

	vs
THRASHERS		RANGERS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
Even though I didn't like the team's name, I've liked the Thrashers' logo ever since it was first unveiled when the team started playing in 1999. The Rangers, on the other hand, not so much. I think they should upgrade to the shoulder logo on the third jersey. Much nicer.
Thrashers

The Nickname
If the Thrasher is living in a national park, the park Ranger is protecting it and therefore has the upper hand.
Rangers

The Analysis
I don't know why it is that almost all the pro sports teams in Atlanta have to be named for birds, but the hockey team got burned. Falcons and hawks are birds of prey and despite "thrashing" being a good verb for use in defeating opponents, the thrasher is what, a songbird? Come on. By default, the Rangers take this one.
Rangers

WINNER

2-1

 

Capitals

Washington CAPITALS

Team Information
Team Colors / red, white, blue
Inaugural Season / 1974-75 (33 years)
Current Logo / 2007-08 (0 years)

Tournament History

2007 Qualifying Tournament
4-10, 15 pts
Finished 11th in East; 23rd overall

Maple Leafs

Toronto MAPLE LEAFS

Team Information
Team Colors / blue, white
Inaugural Season / 1926-27 (81 years)
Current Logo / 1982-83 (25 years)

Tournament History

2007 Qualifying Tournament
2-12, 10 pts
Finished 15th in East; 29th overall

Lightning

Tampa Bay LIGHTNING

Team Information
Team Colors / black, silver, blue, white
Inaugural Season / 1992-93 (15 years)
Current Logo / 2007-08 (0 years)

Tournament History

2007 Qualifying Tournament
7-7, 21 pts
Finished 8th in East; 15th overall