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

 

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 Maple Leafs

	vs
SENATORS		MAPLE LEAFS
1-1		0-2

The Aesthetics
The Senators logo makes much more use of color than the Maple Leafs. Another thing that detracts from the Maple Leafs logo is, as always, the words spelled out. I believe it was in the '70s or '80s that the Leafs actually donned a wordless Leaf on their uniform shoulders. What ever happened to that?
Senators

The Nickname
If a Senator, walking down a sidewalk, stepped on a Maple Leaf that had fallen from a tree, he would no doubt crush it with a crackle.
Senators

The Analysis
Despite the fact that I like the use of a design similar to the Canadian flag's primary element as the Maple Leafs logo, I always go back to my distaste for logos which spell out a name and/or city. But I'd settle for something even a little more interesting to the eye. The logo used on the third jerseys is a good example of what can be done. And even though I like the Senators logo, it wouldn't hurt if they did the same. They're third jersey crest is one of the best. Ultimately, however, they do get this point.
Senators

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

 

NHL Concept Logos, Part 1

I've been scouring the web over the last couple of weeks in search of logos designed by fans for their favorite teams. Logos that are cool — or not cool as the case may be — but will never see the front of an NHL jersey.

As is the case with most of these logos, I can't remember where I found them so if you designed any of them, feel free to let me know via a comment. And for the record, great work! Anyway, let's dive right in.

This is a logo designed for the Tampa Bay Lightning. As you can plainly see, the designer makes use of a lightning bolt as the "B" in "TB" for — you guessed it — Tampa Bay. As I've said, I've never been a huge fan of clearly obvious letters in logos, but this one isn't horrible. Still not my favorite though. I feel like there's a way to do it well that's subtle. Look at the New Jersey Devils logo. It features a very subtle "NJ" — so subtle you kind of have to stare at it to see it. That's what I like in a logo. But that didn't stop someone from coming up with a few concept logos for the Devils. I'll have those tomorrow in Part 2.

Until then, I have an Edmonton Oilers logo to share. Basically, the artist has kept the oil drop from the original logo and set it inside a gear — a little like the team's third jersey logo. It's nice, but as far as the colors go, I'm more a fan of the silver and blue in said alternate logo. But who am I to complain? Any Oilers fans out there reading this? What do you think?

Now our feature presentation. It's been widely rumored as of late that the Toronto Maple Leafs have plans to alter and adjust their logo for the new season. Reports have suggested that only minor changes to the leaf silhouette will take place but that the logo will remain in large part much the way it is now.

So turn your attention to the right. The top logo is basically the maple leaf from the Canadian flag turned blue with "Toronto Maple Leafs" written inside. Next we have a maple leaf within a circle — a logo which seems oddly familiar yet for some reason I can't quite place it. NHL All-Star Game logo? Olympics logo? If you recognize it, let me know.

And finally, we're treated to this gem on the bottom. If you want radical, this one is for you. I have no idea what's going on there. It scares me a little. I mean it's way too intricate to ever seen on a uniform which is why I'm not truly worried — but, still, it's weird. In a way I like it and in a way I don't. That's all I have to say on the matter.

And finally, check out this blast from the past. Someone came up with this design for the Minnesota North Stars about 11 years too late. Personally, I never liked the old North Stars logo — I say that knowing that I could be stoned to death for such a remark. It was just too — lame.

Not that this one is much better. But it has a little more something to it, at least.

So there you have it. Six concept logos for your Wednesday. Mull those over and get back to me in the comments. What do you like? What do you dislike? What would you like to cram down my throat? — all right, easy does it. I'm just sharing what I've found. Which reminds me, if you find any cool concept logos around the web or have any on your hard drive, let me know about them in the comments.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow — or whenever I feel like posting it.

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

 

HF&P, Part 21: Toronto Maple Leafs

They're calling it blasphemous — the idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be changing their logo for the 2007-08 season. I say, why not? More power to them. Anyway, they're the 21st entry in the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series here on the NHL Tournament of Logos blog leading up the start of the competition in less than a week.

What do you think? As you can see, it's more work from Mr. Nostalgia as we dig into the time capsule and retrieve these old relics. The "primary" logo is of course currently used on the Leafs' third jerseys while they "secondary" logo hasn't been used in decades. But it's an interesting look. Any Toronto fans feel like weighing in?

That's really all I have to say on this matter. Check back tomorrow for more cool fan-made designs.

I also want to make sure that I mention every so often that these images I'm posting are stolen — borrowed, rather. I'm finding them at various places online and am trying to get them all posted in one place for the enjoyment and interest of fans everywhere. If you or someone you know has designed them, please feel free to drop me a line and let me know about it so I can credit you. I am by no means taking credit for anything here — unless I say so specifically.

There. Now onto other things.

Coming up next: the Detroit Red Wings.

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