Senators vs Lightning

	vs
SENATORS		LIGHTNING
2-2		1-1

The Aesthetics
This point goes the way of the Senators for other reasons than just that the Lightning logo spells out the team's name. It's also overly simplistic — like something a five-year-old child would draw. The Senators logo has the power to strike fear.
Senators

The Nickname
A bolt of Lightning would strike a Senator dead — or at least unconscious.
Lightning

The Analysis
With Tampa considered by some to be the Lightning capital of the world, no name could be more appropriate. On the other hand, a better logo might be what's required. If only we could lose all the letters from it. Did you know there are 17? The Senators logo gets the point for a better depiction of its namesake.
Senators

WINNER

2-1

 

Flyers vs Devils

	vs
FLYERS		DEVILS
3-2		1-0

The Aesthetics
Both logos prominently feature black and white along with another color and subtle letters. But all you have to do is look at them to know the Devils logo is the cooler one.
Devils

The Nickname
The Devil could cut the Flyer's wings off with his pitchfork. That's becase he's pure evil.
Devils

The Analysis
So simple the way this tournament has been done, right? Simple is good in logos. These two are good examples of that. To rerpresent the names we have a winged "P" and red devil complete with horns and a pointy tail. Who's better? They're kind of on the same level, aren't they? Unfortunately for the Flyers, I've seen their alternate logo from the third jersey and it's better. They should switch to it full time.
Devils

WINNER

3-0

 

Lightning vs Hurricanes

	vs
LIGHTNING		HURRICANES
1-0		1-0

The Aesthetics
We have a Southeast Division battle on our hands. Mad props to the Hurricanes for not spelling out the team name as well as what I would consider to be the subtle use of a puck in the eye of the storm. Now I may be hypocritical about many things but here's the thing: subtlety in logos rocks! You have to look at it over and over again so if you discover something new each time, you've got yourself a winner.
Hurricanes

The Nickname
You know, you would think these two go hand-in-hand right. Well as any gulf coast resident can tell you, there is no Lightning in a Hurricane. Just wind to blow everything away.
Hurricanes

The Analysis
As a Lightning fan, I find myself rather despressed at the prospect of my team being shut out in a tournament I designed. Sadly, however, this is the case. Our logo is just not good. But don't let that take away from how good the Hurricanes logo is. I've always thought it was among the best. My only complaint would be that its aspect ratio is a little off. Can we have it a little more circular please?
Hurricanes

WINNER

3-0

 

Capitals vs Maple Leafs

	vs
CAPITALS		MAPLE LEAFS
2-1		0-4

The Aesthetics
The new Capitals logo was just unveiled last week. It's sharp but it breaks one of my cardinal rules. And you know they're gospel, buddy. If we look we see both teams make the mistake of spelling out the full name in the logo. But someone has to get the point. The Capitals logo gets it for the good colors.
Capitals

The Nickname
If lawmakers in the Capital can pass legislation to, say, protect maple trees, they then have the upper hand on a Maple Leaf. Crazy thought.
Capitals

The Analysis
Both logos spell out the full team name so nobody's getting any default points here. The saving grace then has to come in how the logo depicts the name. Again, I was always a fan of the capitol building but three stars does not a point get. I've said before that a silhouette is too easy, but let me eat my words now. This one is very practical in comparison.
Maple Leafs

WINNER

2-1

 

Islanders vs Sabres

	vs
ISLANDERS		SABRES
0-2		2-1

The Aesthetics
As much as Sabres fans in general have made well known their distaste for the new logo, it's actually a very strong sports team logo. Simple design, great colors. The Islanders, however, make use of an unnecessary hockey stick and puck. We already know it's a hockey team.
Sabres

The Nickname
Could an Islander really defend himself against a Sabre-wielding swordsman? I think not.
Sabres

The Analysis
Here is where the Islanders avoid getting swept. The map of Long Island in the background of the logo is great and the classic design is very recognizable. Unfortunately in a logo for the Sabres, there isn't a sword in sight. Why, I wonder. Why must every team from Buffalo use the animal in the primary logo? Stop it, already.
Islanders

WINNER

2-1

 

Bruins vs Maple Leafs

	vs
BRUINS		MAPLE LEAFS
0-1		0-3

The Aesthetics
The new Bruins logo makes its debut appearance in the tournament today against the Leafs and I like what I see. The changes are minor but big. Look at the two logos side by side and you'll see what I mean. As for the Maple Leafs logo, the full name is still being spelled out in what would otherwise be a great silhouette logo.
Bruins

The Nickname
I suppose if a Bruin was hungry enough, he could eat a Maple Leaf. At the very least, a wave of his claw would send it to pieces.
Bruins

The Analysis
To this point in the competition, neither of these teams has won a match. That will obviously end today for the Bruins. The question is whether they can complete the sweep. I'm disappointed to say that for a team named the Bruins, the lack of a bear in the logo is conspicuous. At the same time, if the spoked "B" was ever relieved of duty, Bostonians would riot in the streets. The Leafs get the point for at least using a leaf in the logo.
Maple Leafs

WINNER

2-1

 

Senators vs Canadiens

	vs
SENATORS		CANADIENS
2-1		1-0

The Aesthetics
It's another all-Canadian match. And I don't think there should be much question that the Canadiens get this point. Simple design and great use of color. Not that the Senators logo really lacks that but here again I feel like a simpler design would work better. (Hint: Less of the thin lines.)
Canadiens

The Nickname
A Senator is a lawmaker. A Canadien is a citizen. Easy.
Senators

The Analysis
Here we have two logos, neither of which I can really complain about. But the rules of this competition state that only can take the point in each category. In the end, I'm going to give it to the Canadiens because executive decisions are my forte. Also that "H" gets me every time!
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Thrashers vs Penguins

	vs
THRASHERS		PENGUINS
1-2		0-2

The Aesthetics
Neither team has been very strong in the tournament up to this point, but it's still early for them. Again we see a pair of logos which prominently feature hockey sticks. It's a hockey team so that is just too obvious for my taste. Regardless of that, in my humble opinion, the Thrashers logo is cooler.
Thrashers

The Nickname
The Thrashers is a bird of flight but the Penguin is a bird of non-flight. The Thrasher could taunt the Penguin if either ever made it into the same climate zone.
Thrashers

The Analysis
Neither logo does a good job of representing their city, but my eye is just more attracted to the Thrashers logo for its use of multiple colors. Don't get me wrong, I like the Vegas gold in the Penguins logo, but they aren't going to beat the Thrashers.
Thrashers

WINNER

3-0

 

Islanders vs Capitals

	vs
ISLANDERS		CAPITALS
0-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
The Capitals' new logo debuts in the tournament today — a day after being officially unveiled — and sadly, there's nothing very impressive about it. Both logos manage to spell out the team names completely. And both incorporate a hockey stick. And a puck! Completely unnecessary, in my opnion. Neither team should get this point. But somebody has to. The Islanders logo is a lot easier on the eyes in comparison.
Islanders

The Nickname
It's in the Capital where laws are written that might affect Islanders and perhaps what fish they're allowed to catch or not catch. I suppose.
Capitals

The Analysis
As I mentioned in Aesthetics, both logos have hockey sticks, pucks and the team name spelled out. The difference (aside from color) is how they incorporate representations of their home towns. We have an orange map of Long Island on one which is fairly obvious. On the other we have a very subtle ode to D.C. with three stars above Washington which are culled from the District of Columbia flag. I love subtlety in logos.
Capitals

WINNER

2-1

 

Panthers vs Devils

	vs
PANTHERS		DEVILS
3-0		0-0

The Aesthetics
Finally, the Devils have a match. And things are looking up already. You have the subtle "NJ" along with a simple, fear-inspiring design gives them the edge over the Panthers logo. It may seem like I hate all logos with small details, but that's just not the case. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Normally it would work for the Panthers, but just look at that Devils logo.
Devils

The Nickname
The Devil could strike a Panther dead if it ever tried to attack. Yeah, he's that powerful.
Devils

The Analysis
Here's where the Panthers avoid the sweep. They are a very aptly named team. There's nothing wrong with the Devils, but I feel like that gets used a lot. Perhaps the Devils can get this point against another team.
Panthers

WINNER

2-1