Looking Ahead: Third Jersey Concepts

As we all know, the NHL is abandoning the third jersey program for this season. However, there are many indications that it will make a comeback as early as the 2008-09 season. Having said that, some people are getting a jump on things. Here I have a few alternate jersey concepts to share.

We'll start with the Washington Capitals. While the return to red, white and blue has grown on me, the wordmark logo has not. However, they've got a great shoulder logo that could use a little more mileage.

I especially like the idea of a blue jersey. Moreso than the red. Kudos to the designer on this one.

Keeping it in the Southeast Division, I've also been sent some Tampa Bay Lightning art.

Speaking as a Lightning fan, I do like the idea of a blue alternate jersey, but the logo needs the circle. What do you guys think of that? I think it looks even plainer without it.

Moving on to the Northwest, check out this rather colorful Edmonton Oilers rendering.

I like the gear logo better in silver. But that's just me. Let's finish up with a look at some Minnesota Wild concepts.

I remember back in 2000 when the Wild first unveiled their logo — the crest you see on these jerseys — and I was horribly afraid the jerseys might look like this. (I was thrilled by the bear head logo.) However, I kind of like the green as an alternate for some time in the future. Might be a little much though. Thoughts?

Poll: Lightning Logo History

1992	2007

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 Sep 8 @ 7:40 AM

Poll closing date Sep 15 @ 11:59 PM

07BONLH | LHTBL

Result: Lightning vs Flyers

Philadelphia
FLYERS
62% 7,890 votes

Tampa Bay
LIGHTNING
38% 4,888 votes

12,778 total votes

Philadelphia Flyers
Advancing to Quarterfinals to face Atlanta Thrashers

Tampa Bay Lightning
Eliminated

Click here to see the original poll

Poll opening date Aug 24 @ 4:15 AM

Poll closing date Aug 31 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #E1G | TBLvPHI

Just To Freak You Out, Part 5 of 5

I know you'll all be sad to see it go, but today I'm wrapping up my week-long series of whacked-out and crazy images. So let's get this final show on the road. Our first stop is Pittsb— er, Kansas City. Or, well, I don't really know. You figure it out.

I know we've seen a lot of crazy shit, but wow. A Kansas City Scouts Rbk EDGE jersey with Sidney Crosby's name and number. I'm sure this design was concocted in the days when the Pens' future was largely uncertain. With KC looking like a predator ready to pounce, you never know. Just, wow. I don't really have any other words. Maybe you guys can find some.

Over in Philly, there's a consortium that can't tell the logo forms a "P" unless it's cockeyed.

My neck hurts from looking at that. My eyes hurt after looking at this.

Ha ha. Now your eyes hurt too. I promise I won't do that anymore.

Oops, gotcha! You guys are easy. Anyone want to see a black coyote?

Probably not anymore, huh? Seriously, though. Charlie, from SabresNotSlugs.com really needs to see this. It could be the new logo for his site.

Somebody didn't like the slug. Showed it what a sabre is. Then gutted it. Sad story, really. But you guys haven't seen the half of it yet. Remember the amazing composite logo Pfizer created for the Canucks. He dropped the Sabres logos into the same blender. It produced this.

Maybe that should be your new logo, Charlie. Sometimes we just don't recognize how good we have it.

I hope I've been successful this week in freaking you all out a little bit. My goal is to show you that what you have, despite what some of you think, isn't that bad. We all like to moan and complain about changes but just remember, they could've done so much worse. And then where would we be?

I'm going to leave you one last little nugget, though. On Tuesday I posted a crazy concept for the Tampa Bay Lightning. I also asked if someone might be able to show me what it would look like on a player. As I close out this series, let me leave you with that image. Let me burn it into your soul.

Big time thanks to Russ for that one!

Southeast Concept Designs

I know a lot of people — Tampa Bay Lightning fans included — aren't in love with the new logo and uniforms. Speaking as one of the biggest Bolts fans out there, I can say I love the designs. It's miles better than what we had even if it's not perfect yet. You have to admit that much. And hell, I already pre-ordered my black jersey. I can't wait until mid-September.

Anyway, on to the subject at hand. I've got concept art from across the Southeast Division today (except for the Stinkin' Panthers). And I'm starting with the Lightning.

Like I said, I like the new logo but I'm open to new ideas as well. This logo is cool in that it forms a lightning bolt out of the letters "TB." That sort of thing is why I wake up in the morning.

Unfortunately, as drawbacks go, there sure is a lot of negative space in that design. Maybe we don't need such a large circle. Let the bolt overlap the bounds of the circle sort of like the new logo does. And the muted colors don't market well. And whether we want to think so or not, that is an important element.

So let's see what that logo looks like on a jersey.

I like the lettering style but it doesn't really seem to go with the jaggedness of the logo. Loving the bolt on the bottom of the back. And the black sleeves with a blue body is pretty cool. Another one I'd be curious to see on a player. Overall, it's not horrible, but it could still use some touching up.

We talk a lot about simplicity in logos. Check this out.

You can find these designs and many others in the Concepts Gallery. I highly recommend a look through what's there.

Moving on now northward to the Atlanta Thrashers. I got emailed a couple of cool Reebok-style concepts worth a look.

The design above is very sharp. You'll notice the all-star logo on the shoulders which was a nice touch. Also this concept does away with the overhead Thrasher logo, opting instead for the head from the primary logo on the shoulder. Overall, Atlanta could do worse. Personally, however, I'm partial to the design on the left.

I think the red sides are very nice. I think that is a very smart accent color and there's no reason to do away with it. However, it seems the red pushed out most of the gold. I think it could use a little more. But my favorite thing about both designs is the retention of the sky blue used for the home sweaters. I think that was a great move by the Thrashers and I wouldn't want to see it go away.

How do you Thrasher fans feel about it?

Continuing up the east coast, we have some Carolina Hurricanes fan art. Check out this guy.

How about that logo?

This design here to the left is a rendering of the 'Canes unis based off of what we've seen from EA Sports in NHL 08. The black jersey is merely a suggestion at what could be done in the future for an alternate. I like the black and the hurricane flag is growing on me as a crest. I wasn't a fan at first.

Anyway, what really matters is what Carolina fans like. Any feelings on the matter, guys?

We'll wrap up our Southeast Division tour with the Washington Capitals. I agree with the above design almost whole-heartedly. That "W" eagle should definitely be the new primary. The wordmark "logo" should be relegated to the shoulders if you ask me. The stars on the shoulders are nice, but stolen from the Columbus Blue Jackets and that's not acceptable.

But this design fascinates me. That's a very nice use of the Capitol dome. Very impressive. I also like the black, silver and red jerseys. The blue being used sparingly works in its favor, I think. I'd like a better look at the shoulder logos to see what's going on there. Too small in this graphic.

Any Capitals fans out there to share an opinion? Because we know I'm certainly not one.

That does it for the Southeast today. Apologies for the long post. I know that irks some of you. If someone's holding a water gun to your head forcing you to read this blog, let me know and I'll see what I can do to shorten them.

Just To Freak You Out, Part 2 of 5

I'm back with more weird and wacky designs from the world of hockey art. Prepare yourself.

What sports franchise first comes to mind when you think Miami? The Dolphins, right? Well what made them famous? Was it their colors or the fact that football is one of the most popular sports in the U.S.? Well, the colors, obviously! So to help out the Florida Panthers in becoming more famous, one designer swapped out their colors. Take a look.

Go ahead. Rub your eyes. You aren't seeing things. Can you believe that? One incredible design after another, I tell you. Still, I can do better.

You'll have to look closely to tell, but that, my friends, is another fascinating concept for the Tampa Bay Lightning. No crest. Crazy numbers. The most original design I think I've ever seen. Here's my question: Can anybody Photoshop this jersey onto a picture of a player? Because I totally want to see how that bad boy looks on the ice.

The Phoenix Coyotes had a great logo when for some reason they decided to throw it to the wolves in 2003. They dropped out what made their logo unique and colorful. Guess bland is back. Or not, so this designer thinks. Check that out. It's a wonderful combination of old and new.

Kind of like this. And while we're on the subject of that crazy Canucks logo. What you really need to see is the fully-colored version.

How can you improve upon something like that? It's like finding pure gold in the Black Hills. Oh, and while we're still on the topic of Vancouver — all you Canucks-haters — feast your peepers on these.

Yesterday we had black and neon green. Today we've got black and sky blue. If I haven't freaked you out enough yet today, just wait until you see this. I'm going to make this lousy post come full circle right before your very eyes. Behold.

From Panthers to Canucks. And I don't even have the words to describe it. No words would be worthy of describing it.

You'll tell your grandchildren this story. And you know it. Stay tuned. More is on its way tomorrow.

Just To Freak You Out, Part 1 of 5

Today I'm starting a weeklong feature I hope you all will enjoy. As the title implies, the images I post here are meant to freak you out a bit so don't be surprised if you see the weird and wacky in what follows.

I've gotta kick it off with this photo because it's what gave me the idea for this series.

This photo comes from a bored fan at a Vancouver Canucks message board. Talk about identity crisis. How about those colors? Black, silver and neon green. Don't miss the recolored flying skate logo on the shoulder and the neon green Johnny Canuck on the side of Roberto Luongo's helmet. Stunning. Absolutely marvelous.

It gets better.

Now speaking as a Lightning fan, I can honestly say that is one color scheme I would have never dreamed up. It's not a horrible design on its own, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to recognize Vinny, Marty and Brad underneath all that... whatever it is.

But let's not stop there.

Sabres fans, have you ever considered going with a blue and gold goathead for your primary logo?

Part of me wants to think someone was just trying to prove how silly a yellow buffalo would look (see the current "Buffaslug" logo). But the part of me that attempts the use of logic fears someone honestly considered that to be a decent option.

Take me now!

If none of that has given you nightmares, then I'm not doing my job. Read on.

Friends, you won't believe the scariest thing about this beast. It's real. This sweater — if we can call it that without sullying the name of actual hockey sweaters everywhere — was actually produced for the St. Louis Blues. I'm not kidding. Surnames and numbers were stitched onto it. But with thanks to the holiest of gods, it was never actually worn during an NHL game.

Mike Keenan may have made some bad decisions in his life, but his refusal to allow his team to wear this monstrosity in 1996 is not among them. Can you imagine? Blues fans, you dodged a bullet and you will forever be in Keenan's debt. And do not ever forget that!

All right, now it's your turn. What do you guys think of these designs? Comment below.

I'll have more crazy designs all week. And as always, if you've seen any crazy designs or have some of your own, I'd love to see them. Email me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

Lightning Unveiling Video

This video was posted in the comments of today's earlier post. It shows the big unveiling of the Lightning's new jerseys.

The Lightning players you see modeling the home black jerseys are Chris Gratton (#77), Filip Kuba (#71), Johan Holmqvist (#40) and Marty St. Louis (#26). Those donning in the white road sweaters are local TV personalities.

Wearing #8 is NewsChannel 8's Jennifer Leigh. In #9 is Bay News 9 anchor Jen Holloway. Tampa Bay's 10 sports anchor Justin Allen is donning #10. FOX 13 news anchor Kelly Ring is wearing #13. And #28 is being worn by ABC Action News anchor Brendan McLaughlin — in case you were wondering.

Man, I wish I could've been there.

Lightning Unveil New Logos, Uniforms!

The Tampa Bay Lightning officially unveiled their new logos and uniforms today outside the St. Pete Times Forum at IceFest. Take your first look now!

My first impressions: I love them! Well done, my Bolts! I'm buying one the very second they're available. I'm so thrilled with the logos and jerseys. The black one is amazing. Looking at it, I'm so glad they didn't go with blue.

The greatest thing, in my opinion, is the continuation of the stripes found under the arms. See what I mean below.

Those stripes have been one of the major elements of the Lightning's jerseys since their inception in 1992. The way I understand it, Phil Esposito — who designed the original uniforms and logos — said the stripes would serve as a nod to fans for years to come and that every time a player raised his arms to celebrate a goal, we'd be reminded. It culminated with a Stanley Cup championship in 2004 and in every photo of a player raising the Cup, you see those unique stripes.

What do you guys think of that? As a lifelong Bolts fan, I'm thrilled over that feature being kept on these new jerseys.

As far as the logo, I'm all right with it. I'd rather the "TAMPA BAY" be gone entirely, but it's a big upgrade from what we used to have. Overall, I'm happy with what I've seen here.

UPDATE (1:59 PM): The St. Peterburg Times Bolts blog Lightning Strikes had this picture of Filip Kuba in the new jersey — our first photo of a player actually wearing it.

UPDATE (2:55 PM): Forgive me if I'm going overboard with Lightning stuff today, but we've all got our favorite teams right? Today is our day. I've come across a few more pictures worth posting here.

Above, you see Marty St. Louis walking down a red carpet amongst a sea of excited Lightning fans. Below is a group of people including Lightning players Chris Gratton, Filip Kuba, Johan Holmqvist, and St. Louis (in black). I haven't figured out who the rest of them are — except for the guy on the right in the white jersey. That's local news anchor Brendan McLaughlin I believe. He's wearing 28 because that's the channel number of his TV station — the one where I used to work, as a matter of fact.

As a side note, the Lightning's official site mentioned that the road jerseys would feature the number on the front shoulder. These photos indicate that as well. For more photos, check out my official Rbk EDGE photo gallery.

New Source For Bolts Logo Leak?

The Tampa Bay Lightning's new logo may have been leaked back in July but we'll obviously find out tomorrow whether that's true or not. Reaffirming that belief are these photos of a new hat.

The team has responded to the original leak by saying that it's close but not quite how the new logos will look. That seems to be confirmed by the secondary logo seen on the brim of the hat. You'll notice the blue Florida outline is missing. Makes it a very dull logo, doesn't it?

Anyway, I'll save my commentary on the new logo for when it becomes official. And that will be tomorrow. It pains me, but I will not be able to show up for the event. As you know the Lightning are my team and I had planned on attending and shooting my own photos and video to post here as "exclusive content." But unfortunately, my plans have changed. I'll be here and posting images. Sad for me, but good for you guys.

To any Lightning fans reading, I'd be more than grateful to you if you could send in photos and/or video since I can't be there myself.

Until then, you know I always have concept art up my sleeve. I came across these long ago but just realized I have yet to post them on this site.

These are from two separate design sets, but both feature redesigned logos. I don't care for the first one, but I could live with the second.

Any thoughts? Be sure to check back tomorrow. The Lightning are scheduled to unveil the new logos and threads at noon. I'll have photos as soon as they're available.