Panthers vs Canadiens

	vs
PANTHERS		CANADIENS
11-1		7-4

The Aesthetics
That panther makes for one fierce logo. Unfortunately for the Panthers, though, simplicity is going to win the day for the Canadiens logo. There's a profound quality to it that's hard to describe which likely stems from the fact that it's only been around since the beginning of time itself. No, I'm not usually one to bend to the irritating whim of tradition, but what can I say? I'm helpless against the force today.
Canadiens

The Nickname
On the other hand, a hungry Panther would totally eat a Canadien for breakfast.
Panthers

The Analysis
The Panthers logo speaks for itself, but not necessarily Florida or Miami. Whatever. The Canadiens logo speaks French to me, although there's been some debate about the meaning of the "H" here among the readers at the NHLToL. And when I say "debate," I of course mean me being a smartass. Now once and for all, may I state my opinion here before ultimately giving this point to the Habs. I understand that back in the day (1917 to be precise, right?), the "H" stood for hockey as the team was called Le Club de Hockey Canadien or something to that effect. However, my (ignorant?) stance is that in today's world where the team is more commonly known as the Habs, why can't the logo evolve to take on new meanings? I'm actually asking if anyone has a good reason why that makes absolutely no sense. Because I'm sure that's the case.
Canadiens

WINNER

2-1

 

Bruins vs Devils

	vs
BRUINS		DEVILS
8-3		12-1

The Aesthetics
I was going to make a comment about how both of these logos have circles for primary elements. But what's wrong with circles, anyway? They've long made for great logos worldwide in every aspect. Anyway, they each also have letters inside their circles. Though, here's where I think I'd be more impressed if the "B" formed some sort of bruin since the "NJ" manages to form a devil. Good stuff.
Devils

The Nickname
Devil, all-powerful, et cetera. Bruin, itty-bitty bear in comparison. Fire, brimstone, hell, move on. Stupid Satan. Go ahead, smite me with your pitchfork! (Okay, that's enough.)
Devils

The Analysis
I don't know what it is that makes the Bruins logo stand out so much. Maybe its the thick black lines over yellow. Not that the Devils logo has nothing to offer. This is a tough one. But I have yet to actual mention this so I'm going to take this opportunity. It's been pointed out to me that the spokes behind the "B" form a wheel, a hub if you will. And why is this significant? In fact, Oliver Wendell Holmes referred to the State House in Boston as the "hub of the solar system." Long story short: It stuck. And here we are. The Hub of Hockey. End of the road for the Devils, by the way. Count 'em up.
Bruins

WINNER

2-1

 

Panthers vs Sabres

	vs
PANTHERS		SABRES
10-1		6-4

The Aesthetics
I wonder if the Panthers logo might just be the most fear-inspiring in the league. I almost said scary. But it's the "Buffaslug" that's scary. But as far as it being a good sports logo, it's a tough call — even though Sabres fans hate it. But come on, is there realy a question here?
Panthers

The Nickname
In the hands of an experienced swordsman, a Sabre is rather dangerous, even to a Panther.
Sabres

The Analysis
Look, the animals in both logos have red eyes. Creepy. Anyway, panther? Check. Sabre? Sort of, check. It's been pointed out there's a very subtle blue sword extending from the horn on the buffalo which doubles as the sword's handle. I kind of see it. But the Panther is much cooler.
Panthers

WINNER

2-1

 

Lightning vs Bruins

	vs
LIGHTNING		BRUINS
6-5		7-3

The Aesthetics
The Bruins have a logo that despite only minor changes, is significantly improved. The Lightning logo spells out the team name. And if the rumors of the new logo hold to be true, at least one of those words will be removed. Anyway, no point for the Bolts here.
Bruins

The Nickname
Not even a Bruin could withstand getting struck by a bolt of Lightning.
Lightning

The Analysis
At least there's a bolt of Lightning in that logo. There's no bear in the Bruins logo. But that can't be the only factor for this point. The Bruins logo is just much bolder. I think it makes a better logo. Maybe the Lightning can make an improvement when they unveil theirs later this month.
Bruins

WINNER

2-1

 

Penguins vs Senators

	vs
PENGUINS		SENATORS
3-8		4-6

The Aesthetics
Both of these teams seem to like a little gold with their black but it's the Senators who add in the red to make the logo stand out a bit more. The Penguins logo just feels so flat. And there's the penguin wearing the hockey gear.
Senators

The Nickname
Since Senators make the laws, it seems to me that they have the upper hand on the Penguins as they could choose to protect them or not.
Senators

The Analysis
The better features of these two logos have recently been pointed out to me by readers. The golden triangle has significance to Pittsburgh. Also the gold circle in the Senators logo makes an "O" for Ottawa while you could say the red galea creates a "C" to symbolize Canada. If that's the case, it means the Maple Leafs and Oilers are the only Canadian teams not to work in a "C" of some sort. But I digress. The point is, the Penguins logo comes off like a '60s cartoon to me (go ahead, take your shots now). I'll go with the centurion.
Senators

WINNER

3-0

 

Bruins vs Penguins

	vs
BRUINS		PENGUINS
6-3		3-7

The Aesthetics
Looking at these two logos side-by-side, it's fairly obvious why the Penguins shouldn't have switched to the Vegas gold. Which one of these stands out more? But like all you Pens fans know by now, the hockey gear the penguin is wearing bothers me. I can't explain it.
Bruins

The Nickname
Giant carnivore versus tiny, flightless bird. Is there any question the Bruin eats the Penguin?
Bruins

The Analysis
Unfortunately for the Bruins, this won't be a sweep. The reason is that I see a penguin in the Penguins logo but a bruin is nowhere in sight. (I take that back. Check the shoulder of the jersey.) If only they'd make that bear in the secondary mark the primary logo. But the truth is, the B's logo is one of the most recognizable in sports so to change it would probably be silly. Still, I stand by my rules for this tournament, despite the bullshit they produce.
Penguins

WINNER

2-1

 

Sabres vs Bruins

	vs
SABRES		BRUINS
5-4		6-2

The Aesthetics
It's a bit of a toss-up here. I think both logos are pretty aesthetically strong. But these are both logos that have been changed in the last couple years. As far as improvements, I think both are better than what they had, but that the Bruins logo is more of an improvement than the Sabres. The return to traditional colors was nice but for a way to make it better, just ask John Slabyk.
Bruins

The Nickname
This would have been a good showdown if it was bruin and buffalo. But instead, it's Bruin versus Sabre, and with the latter in the hands of an experience swordsman, I have my doubts for the big bear.
Sabres

The Analysis
Neither logo portrays its name it's meant to very well — although the case has been made that there's a blue sabre along the back of the buffalo with the horn also serving as the handle. I'd still like to see the secondary logo on the crest sans the word marks, but that may have to wait until the day third jerseys make their glorious return.
Sabres

WINNER

2-1

 

Bruins vs Capitals

	vs
BRUINS		CAPITALS
5-2		4-5

The Aesthetics
If you were keeping track, this is the first time in the tournament where two brand new logos have met. And the letters abound. The new Capitals logo, in my opinion, is definitely a downgrade. I like the colors all right, but then I was one of the few who though the blue and bronze worked really well. Anyway, the Bruins redesign was definitely an upgrade. While the difference may not be noticeable to most people just looking at it quick, it's light years ahead of what they team had been wearing.
Bruins

The Nickname
The headline would read: "Bruins terrorize Capital!"
Bruins

The Analysis
Both logos are made up of letters so we'll have to consider that. I really do like the bear used on the Bruins shoulder logo. That should be the primary. Put the spoked "B" on the shoulder. Speaking of which, does anyone happen to know the significance of the spokes? Or is that just a design element that happen accidentally and has lasted half a century? The hockey stick and puck in the Capitals logo, while more cleverly designed than in the '70s logo, are superfluous on any NHL logo if you ask me. But I think the three stars put it over the Bruins logo for this point. It's at least making a good effort at referencing the region.
Capitals

WINNER

2-1

 

Senators vs Islanders

	vs
SENATORS		ISLANDERS
4-5		1-11

The Aesthetics
I've been beating it like a drum for weeks, but I don't think wordmarks belong in logos. At least not crests. The logo should serve as a symbol for the team and be so recognizable as to not require the accompaniment of a written out name. Also the hockey stick and puck don't help very much.
Senators

The Nickname
Senators and Islanders? Hand-to-hand combat, my money's on the Islanders.
Islanders

The Analysis
We'll keep this short. I like the outline of Long Island in the background of the Islanders logo and yearn for some reference to Ottawa in the Senators logo. We can't have everything. Incidentally, if there's something I'm missing in the Sens logo, feel free to comment about it.
Islanders

WINNER

2-1

 

Hurricanes vs Maple Leafs

	vs
HURRICANES		MAPLE LEAFS
9-1		1-10

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

WINNER

2-1