Sharks vs Canucks

	vs
SHARKS		CANUCKS
5-8		5-8

The Aesthetics
Water-based creatures bearing teeth are prominently featured in these two logos. And they're both breaking things. The shark is breaking a hockey stick and the whale is breaking through ice. But as far as the overall look, I have to go with the Canucks. It's always been one of my favorites. As for the Sharks logo, while the recent change was an upgrade, they could've done better.
Canucks

The Nickname
Canucks are people and by and large, people are not impervious to Sharks. In fact, sometimes they lose limbs to big fish.
Sharks

The Analysis
Even though there isn't a "Canuck" in this logo, per se, I'm willing to give them a pass on that this time around. I love the Haida-style art and you can't say an orca in ice has nothing to do with Vancouver (which I may or may not have previously said). So here's why they're still getting beat by the Sharks. Call me slow, but I just found the "SJ" hidden in the Sharks' new logo and it's awesome! If you want to find it, check out the black in the fins. Look hard. You have to really want it. It's the last day of the tournament, so it's the final match for each logo.
Sharks

WINNER

2-1

 

Kings vs Sharks

	vs
KINGS		SHARKS
7-6		5-7

The Aesthetics
These two logos both have rather unique color schemes. You don't really see them anywhere else in the league. The Sharks recently introduced a new logo and this is its first time in the tournament. It's certainly an improvement over the previous logo, and even though sharks are grey, not teal, I like the extra color in the logo. What's unfortunate is that they kept the broken stick in the logo. The Kings logo is a good example of how you work in a hockey stick if you absolutely cannot help yourself. Make it subtle!
Kings

The Nickname
As powerful as King may be, if he took a dip in Shark-infested waters, he'd become lunch and nobody would be able to do anything about it.
Sharks

The Analysis
Despite getting an update, the Sharks logo still leaves a lot to be desired. I think the Kings logo is stronger and hey, what says California more than the suns on either side of the crown? Now, if you can, try and resist the urge to tear apart my reasoning. It's flimsy and would never stand up to it. Come back on Sunday and vote for yourself!
Kings

WINNER

2-1

 

Coyotes vs Oilers

	vs
COYOTES		OILERS
5-6		2-11

The Aesthetics
The howling coyote actually gives us something to look at. Is the oil drop at the top of circle meant to be the focal point of the Oilers logo? If not, all that's left is the text and you know how that irks me. Don't you? Notch another one for the desert dogs.
Coyotes

The Nickname
An Oiler is probably a rather rugged fellow. I don't he'd find any need to worry about a little Coyote. Face to face, I think he could take it. Don't ask me how.
Oilers

The Analysis
There are things that bother about the Coyotes logo, small things like the fact that the ear is seen more easily than the eye. The Oilers logo is strong, solid and classic. I imagine it will be one of those that sticks around forever despite the fact that I think it could use an upgrade or two. But who am I to say? It may come as a surprise to you all, but overall, I think it's better than the Coyotes. Oh, and that does it for the Oilers schedule. When next you see them, you'll be placing a vote.
Oilers

WINNER

2-1

 

Predators vs Coyotes

	vs
PREDATORS		COYOTES
7-6		5-6

The Aesthetics
Both of these logos are wild animals with wide open mouths. Because of that, there are a lot of similar elements. The biggest difference, aside from color, is the fact that the there's so much more detail in the Predators logo. Normally that wouldn't be a plus, but here it is. The Coyotes logo is just awkward looking to me.
Predators

The Nickname
We've got cats and dogs here. And normally you'd think the dog would beat the cat, but check out the teeth on the Predator. That Coyote never had a chance.
Predators

The Analysis
As a desert icon, the Coyotes couldn't have chosen a better name for the team — not that the Predators didn't. The Coyotes even have great colors, but I liked the original logo better. The Predators logo kind of has a lot of colors. All things considered, I think it wouldn't hurt to simplify it a little. But overall, I find it to be a little better of a logo. The Preds close out their schedule with the sweep.
Predators

WINNER

3-0

 

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

 

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

 

Blue Jackets vs Coyotes

	vs
BLUE JACKETS		COYOTES
11-2		5-6

The Aesthetics
These are a couple of young logos — less than five years under their belts. The Coyotes logo certainly says desert but not any better than the old one. I like it, but not more than the Blue Jackets logo. These is where small detail can actually help.
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
If a Coyote snuck up on a Blue Jacket while he was sleeping, do you think he'd be able to react quick enough to avoid becoming dinner? I have my doubts.
Coyotes

The Analysis
The Blue Jackets logo features an Ohio flag forming a "C" for Columbus. How can you improve on that? The Jackets definitely hit the mark with this logo. Nice to see them going with it as the primary this season. The Coyotes logo doesn't really have anything like that and it just looks awkward to me. By the way, this is the finale for the Jackets.
Blue Jackets

WINNER

2-1

 

Kings vs Blue Jackets

	vs
KINGS		BLUE JACKETS
7-5		10-2

The Aesthetics
Both of these logos have lots of pointy edges. I don't know why that matters. Anyway, I like the color schemes in each logo and despite the fact that neither one has existed for very long, I see the Blue Jackets logo becoming a classic... you know, one day when the team actually makes the playoffs and that sort of thing. The Kings have struggled to find an identity when it comes to logos and I feel like this is just another in a long line.
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
An army is usually at the King's command. But in fact, it was the ancestors of the Blue Jackets who overthrew the King almost a hundred years before. So it's in their blood.
Blue Jackets

The Analysis
I know it isn't vital for a logo to incorporate the home city, but it's always a nice touch. You've got suns on either side of the crown in the Kings logo and the Ohio flag wrapping around a silver star for the Blue Jackets. I'm also a fan of subtlety in logos and the Kings are guilty. Check out those hockey sticks on top of the crown. If they were blatant, I'd be hesitant, but since they aren't, they'll help the Kings logo avoid the sweep. One more match left for each logo in this tournament.
Kings

WINNER

2-1

 

Blue Jackets vs Stars

	vs
BLUE JACKETS		STARS
10-1		6-5

The Aesthetics
Both of these logos have five-pointed stars as a primary element. You could even say the Stars have two stars — a gold one and a green one. Ah, but the Blue Jackets logo has the most when you count the 12 in the Ohio flag. So I'll give them this point for that and the fact that there are no words in it. A logo is a symbol in my book. (And don't start in with how words are symbols too. I don't want to hear about it.)
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
I don't think the Blue Jackets win this war. A bayonet doesn't stop a Star from burning. Not even a little bit.
Stars

The Analysis
This is a difficult decision. Both of these logos are appropriate. I've talked about the big "lone star" in the Stars logo a number of times. The Ohio flag almost forms a "jacket" around the silver star. But I like the Stars logo's Texas reference. It's clever.
Stars

WINNER

2-1