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HURRICANES | DEVILS |
Despite the first round not being over quite yet, Round 2 begins today! 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 Aug 26 @ 7:05 AM | Poll closing date Sep 2 @ 11:59 PM |
07CHTRN | #E2A | CARvNJD
I'm aware of the fact that EA Sports supposedly unveiled the Carolina Hurricanes jerseys earlier this summer, but that stuff isn't for me. I want actual photos. That being said, a couple of people emailed in something I can work with.
Apparently, this photo of Noah Babin was posted on the Carolina Hurricanes web site along with a bunch of other prospects. As far as I can tell, he's the only one donning the new Rbk EDGE apparel, though. You can tell by the collar.
In addition, the jersey also has the thin white striping around the shoulders, seen in the EA Sports images. While this isn't huge news, I thought it would still be worth posting. And for those of you wondering, it won't go on the sidebar until we see the whole jersey. For that, the 'Canes are asking us to hold out until September 16.
I've been getting a lot of emails lately about the Carolina Hurricanes. I recently added them to the sidebar countdown for a September 16 unveiling date. The issue some people have brought up is the fact that the Hurricanes' new uniforms have already been leaked via EA Sports' NHL08 video game.
Thing is, that's not really a photo of Eric Staal in the new Rbk EDGE uniform since no teams have played in them yet — all-star jerseys aside. The cover is an adapted photo of Staal in the old uniforms. Not that that matters that much. I post fan-created artwork all the time. No reason this shouldn't be considered.
However, I won't call it an official unveiling by the Hurricanes because this isn't a picture of the actual jersey. If you look down my official list, all of those posts contain photos of the real uniforms. Still, screen grabs like the one below have been circulating for some time. I figured I'd at least post it but I'm not adding it to the officially unveiled list — yet.
If we see photos prior to the team's first preseason game, I'll be sure to post them.
Thought this was cool. I know there won't be any third jerseys this season, but one fan came up with a notion for a black alternate uniform for the Carolina Hurricanes. It's far out.
This looks good to me because the Hurricanes are just so... red! No redder than the Red Wings, mind you, but stil very red. Sometimes all the red gives me a headache. This design tones down the red, like, a lot. Any Hurricanes fans reading? What do you guys think? Worthy of a third jersey? Worth of a primary jersey? Or worthy of nothing more than a trash bin?
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The Aesthetics
I've always thought the puck in the eye of the storm was a clever feature of this logo. But I just don't know if it necessarily stands up to the Bruins logo. It's a piece of hockey history that despite what some of you may have come to believe, I don't hate. I think the recent changes/updates brought about make a world of difference to it. Kudos the Bruins for refreshing an NHL icon.
Bruins
The Nickname
Hurricanes bring hell on nature. Even a Bruin wouldn't be able to escape its wrath.
Hurricanes
The Analysis
We're right down to it now. One point apiece makes this the deciding factor. It's also the last match of the tournament for each of these logos. Time to analyze. The hub reference of the spoked "B" is excellent. But so is the hurricane, which has proved its greatness in the last 13 matches — at least my opinion (call it what you will). Under normal circumstances, I might've taken this point from the Bruins for lack of a bear in the logo. But I'm feeling generous today and the simple fact is, it says Boston. The same can't be said for the 'Canes logo.
Bruins
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The Aesthetics
Can you believe it? The last day of the tournament is Friday! I wish I could be of more help Penguins fans, but we're talking about the Hurricanes here. The puck is the eye of the storm. Doesn't that just say it all? The scowling penguin has a hockey stick. And gloves. And he's wearing skates! What did you guys call that '90s logo? A pigeon? I thought it was a good logo but what do I know anyway?
Hurricanes
The Nickname
I don't know that Penguins get a lot of Hurricanes in their natural habitats, but I'm pretty sure they'd be blown away (literally) if they did.
Hurricanes
The Analysis
I understand the Penguins logo and its significance to Pittsburgh. But I can't seem to get beyond the hockey gear on the little bird. I'm sorry. And it's not like I don't like the logo. Every time I see it all I can think of is Mario Lemieux. But sadly, that's not enough. The Hurricanes logo kicks ass, carrying on the tradition of the old Hartford Whalers.
Hurricanes
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The Aesthetics
These two logos are definitely in the same league. The colors may be different but the designs are very similar. Notice how they're both outlined in silver. Weird. Anyway, I'm partial to the puck in the eye of the storm in the Hurricanes logo.
Hurricanes
The Nickname
I'm not sure a swordfight is the wisest thing to do in a Hurricane. Those winds can make blunt object deadly. Imagine what it could do with a sharpened Sabre.
Hurricanes
The Analysis
I've said before that the Sabres logo makes for a very strong sports symbol. The problem it has here is that its more buffalo than sabre. At least with the Hurricanes, at least you get a hurricane. But really, how can you deny the impressiveness of the 'Canes logo? Like I've said, the only thing I'd change is the aspect. Make it a little rounder — like an actual hurricane.
Hurricanes
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The Aesthetics
I know I continue to disappoint Maple Leafs fans for my lack of love for their logo, but I like pictures. The symbol on a jersey should be just that — a symbol. And while I think the leaf by itself is a little too boring to be its own logo, there's plenty that can be done to improve it. Or at least that's what I'm telling people. The Hurricanes logo is a cool one — a symbol for a jersey.
Hurricanes
The Nickname
This one pretty much writes itself. The winds of a Hurricane would blow all the Maple Leafs away.
Hurricanes
The Analysis
Now my distaste for the spelled out name on the maple leaf doesn't extend to this category. The reason I think it deserves this point over the Hurricanes is that the 'Canes logo lacks a good representation of the Carolinas, while the leaf is the very symbol of Canada itself and you can't really beat that.
Maple Leafs
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The Aesthetics
These two logos lead the Southeast Division and sit among the top 5 in the league at this late point in the tournament. The Hurricanes logo has managed to fare perfect so far in this category. But that ends today. There's little doubt that the 'Canes have a strong logo, but the Panthers logo almost literally jumps out at you. It's got a great color combination and a fiercec look.
Panthers
The Nickname
A Hurricane is Mother Nature's way of taking out her aggression. To her, a Panther is just another cat with nowhere to hide.
Hurricanes
The Analysis
It all comes down to the analysis. Despite the detail when you get up close to it, nothing about the Panthers logo is lost when you have to view it with less detail. The Hurricanes logo is simple and even works in a subtle puck as the storm's eye — something I really like. Then there's the fact that both teams are so appropriately named that there's no need to reference the home city specifically in the logo. It all comes down to the shape, now. I would like the Hurricanes logo even more if it were more circular. The oval shape makes the puck fit well, but there's no reason you couldn't be looking at the puck from above rather than at an angle. This logo is finally dealt a hit as it loses its first match.
Panthers
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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!
Sunday · Aug 26 · 2007 | 4:05 AM PDT