Sabres vs Rangers

	vs
SABRES		RANGERS
6-7		3-9

The Aesthetics
The battle of New York we've all been waiting for is finally here. Before the ultra-traditionalists come for me, I should preface this with a disclaimer: I try not to let nostalgia and tradition get in the way of determining what a good logo is. That being said, I think the Lady Liberty logo from the third jersey could kick everybody's asses. This one cannot.
Sabres

The Nickname
You don't suppose a Ranger might carry a Sabre, do you? Not if he was a park ranger, I guess. Then he would probably be armed with a rifle with a range better than four feet.
Rangers

The Analysis
I know, this is a problem for the Rangers. What is a Ranger? Are they so unsure they don't bother to put a logo on the front of the jersey? Or is that laziness. I've lamented the fact that a buffalo is serving as a logo for a team called the Sabres, but at the very least, there's a very subtle sword on the back of that buffalo. And we'll call it a day for them. The Sabres finish even.
Sabres

WINNER

2-1

 

Flames vs Blackhawks

	vs
FLAMES		BLACKHAWKS
12-1		2-11

The Aesthetics
Both of these teams wrap up their schedule today. Let's see how they fair. You probably already know who I like better for this category. And if you don't, it's the Flames. What's going on in the Blackhawks logo? Do they have a defined color scheme? Is there a way to find it in the logo? No? Meanwhile, the flaming "C" is cool, especially in black.
Flames

The Nickname
Humans have never been able to really control fire, not even Chief Blackhawk himself. A few Flames get out of control here and there and suddenly the entire state of California is under a wildfire watch.
Flames

The Analysis
Many have argued that I'm insane because I don't agree with "many other sports fans" who consider the Blackhawks logo to be one of the best ever. Thing is, I'm insane for so many reasons, and that's not any of them. It's a good solid logo as far as that goes. But as for what makes it one of the best in all of sports, I am at a loss. It looks to me like a well-drawn Indian head that was scribbled on at one point — and then left that way. But, as I've said before, who am I to say? You guys will get to decide once and for all. Voting starts on August 12. Mark your calendars! In the interim, it's a season finale sweep for the Flames.
Flames

WINNER

3-0

 

Hurricanes vs Bruins

	vs
HURRICANES		BRUINS
12-1		8-5

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

WINNER

2-1

 

Oilers vs Ducks

	vs
OILERS		DUCKS
1-11		1-12

The Aesthetics
Lately it seems like all the good logos are facing off. Today, it's a couple of the worst. With barely 11 points between the two of them and only three more days left in the tournament, I think that is fair to say. The Ducks logo is a word mark, nothing more. To some extent, so is the Oilers logo, but at least there's a little more to it. They'll squeak by with this point.
Oilers

The Nickname
We've all seen what happens when Ducks and Oil get together. Not a pretty sight.
Oilers

The Analysis
You've got to give credit to the Ducks on the rebranding campaign this season. They're like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Change a goofy logo, win a championship. The major difference being, the Bucs have a cool logo. The Ducks lack that, though I am a fan of the webbed duck foot in the form of a "D." The Oilers logo, after 20 plus years just still saddens me. I like the red trip and copper in for orange, but it's just not enough. I'm giving this point to the Ducks in hopes they drop the "ANAHEIM UCKS" in the coming season. For now, the Oilers put the lame Ducks out of their misery. Only 17 teams left with matches in the next few days.
Ducks

WINNER

2-1

 

Avalanche vs Stars

	vs
AVALANCHE		STARS
11-2		8-5

The Aesthetics
This is the end of the line for both of these logos in this tournament. But its just the qualifying round. You will get to decide how good they really are. But I'll make this short and sweet. No logo has ever been helped by incorporating the text of the team name.
Avalanche

The Nickname
An Avalanche of snow has nothing on a Star of fire. Forget the snowslide, a big one could incinerate the planet. Then there's no snow to fall on anybody.
Stars

The Analysis
The giant avalanche across the "A" is a classic logo, not that you asked me. I see it being around a very long time. However, I can think of better ways to deal with a logo for the Dallas Stars. Maybe one day we'll get one. Until then, I like the "lone star" element, but not more than the Avs logo.
Avalanche

WINNER

2-1

 

Bruins vs Canadiens

	vs
BRUINS		CANADIENS
8-4		9-4

The Aesthetics
Ah, old time hockey at its finest. I think the Canadiens could stand a logo upgrade in the vein of the Bruins. Not that there's anything wrong with how it is right now, I'm just in the mood of modernizing logos. It's looked exactly the same for almost 60 years. Anyway, forget that. Don't change it. I like it just the way it is. But the Bruins get this point for being cooler.
Bruins

The Nickname
I would say that a Bruin could eat a Canadien like it was nothing, but I've recently been informed that a number of Canadians are rather rugged folk so I'll have to put my money on them taking out the bear with their rifles and stuff.
Canadiens

The Analysis
I like the symbolism in both logos that alludes to the history and home cities of each club. More than that though, I still keep thinking I'd rather see an actual bear in the logo as opposed to the traditional spoked "B." This isn't to say the "B" has no place on the uniform. Place is on the shoulder. But take the new secondary logo and use it. But the spoked "B" is such a classic. What would the NHL be like without it? It's really a tough call. Anyway, there's no confusion with the Habs' logo. It is and always will be a classic. And that's all there is for the Canadiens in the qualifying round.
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Blues vs Flames

	vs
BLUES		FLAMES
5-8		11-1

The Aesthetics
Well, it's the end of the line for the Blues today. Good or bad, its their final match. And it's a tough one for me. One little nitpick I have on the Blues logo is how the top yellow line inside the "wing" goes too far to the left, almost touching that indented area. I don't know why it bothers me or how it can be properly rectified. And anyway, what's cooler than the flaming "C" logo?
Flames

The Nickname
Flames would burn a Blues man and melt his trumpet. He should stay away from fire.
Flames

The Analysis
I always sort of liked the secondary logo the Blues wore back in the mid-'90s during the period when red was one of their colors. I think a trumpet would make a great logo for them, not that the musical note isn't. But you know me, always one for change. Except for the Flames logo. That one is cool. You know why. Sorry, Blues fans. Not feeling it today, I guess. It was a good run.
Flames

WINNER

3-0

 

Penguins vs Hurricanes

	vs
PENGUINS		HURRICANES
3-9		11-1

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

WINNER

3-0

 

Canadiens vs Sabres

	vs
CANADIENS		SABRES
8-4		6-6

The Aesthetics
The blue abounds. This competition isn't based on tradition (or else most teams wouldn't even get a fair shot) so don't think I'm picking the Canadiens logo just because it's been around as long as dirt. It's got good, strong colors and is very clearly defined. Often people have a hard time discerning what the Sabres logo is as the creature appears to have no legs. Let's move on.
Canadiens

The Nickname
Unless the Canadien was a strong swordsman, a Sabre would likely end him.
Sabres

The Analysis
Once again the Sabres lose the point because the actual team name seems to have been more of an afterthought in designing this logo. Yes, it's supposed to be a buffalo but I'm not buying the blue sabre across its back. The Canadiens have a solid image which has withstood the test of time. I don't want to get into the whole "H" debate again, though, so I'll just leave that be and say that's why the Canadiens logo earns this point.
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Stars vs Oilers

	vs
STARS		OILERS
7-5		1-10

The Aesthetics
All right, so both of these logos feature the team name as a main element, I'm sorry to say. The Oilers name appears to take up more of the logo than anything else but the the Stars logo also has the city name on it. Which is worse? A single drop of oil is meant to graphically symbolize the Oilers so we'll go with the Stars logo since it at least has a giant star on it.
Stars

The Nickname
Remember that giant ball of fire. Imagine a Star coming in contact with an oil pit. All of the Oilers would be toast. Or, incinerated, rather.
Stars

The Analysis
I thought the Stars logo looked great on all the Stanley Cup champion merchandise back in 1999. It's been a while since we've seen the Oilers logo on that stuff. All right, cheap shot. I apologize. I think despite its tradition, the Oilers might be better served by something like the logo they've been wearing on their third jersey. That was very sharp. The Stars should never ever reconsider their third jersey logo. I recently read where someone called it a "mooterus" which had me laughing out loud for a moment. Sweep for the Stars.
Stars

WINNER

3-0