Just To Freak You Out... Some More!

Yes, you read that title right. Back by popular demand, I'm going to get your weekend off to a kicking start. I have the weird and crazy; a whole slew of new and wacky concept designs just meant to freak you out. So buckle in, it's going to be a long one.

I'm going to have a theme of red and black tonight. You'll see what I mean, but first I need to show you this.

From the brilliant creator of the Sabres and Canucks mish-mash logos comes this gem. True art in its rawest form. I dare anyone to attempt to improve upon that.

But since you can't, we'll move along. Do you like the color combination of red and black? Sure, if you're a Devils, Hurricanes, Senators or Coyotes fan. But what about Sabres, Predators and Canadiens fans? What about Leafs fans? Look on if you're brave enough.

It's a little blinding, isn't it? You might be surprised to discover that these designs all came from different people. Bad enough to have one disturbed mind out there Devil-ifying all these jerseys. There are at least four.

This Canadiens concept just scares me so I want to stop looking at it. The Sabres one just looks like a bloody slug (I knew that comment was coming so I wanted to head it off). And the Predators... well that doesn't look half bad if you ask me.

But imagine what kind of disturbed mind I must be to posting this stuff.

Wait. You need to catch your breath before you see this. Maple Leafs fans, ready your eyeballs for this one.

Wow, you're still here. I'm impressed.

All right, now I'm going to ease off a little bit. These designs are not so much horrifying as funny.

Dude, you spilled some oil on your— oh, wait... I see... yikes. Yeah. Oilers fans, I'm genuinely interested to know how you feel about this particular concept. I know it's been floating around a little, but it's just so... out there.

So what if the Rangers did this?

We probably ought not think about it.

Someone spent at least 30 seconds making this.

A missed opportunity, I say.

As a tribute (or not so much) to what I'm going to start calling the "VANCOUVER Incident," someone had some fun with other jerseys.

Similar work on the Sens, Isles and Jackets can be found in the Concepts Gallery. Now I'm going to wrap up where I began — Long Island. Imagine if Reebok decided the NHL should go the way of basketball.

Check out that outline of the island in place of a horizontal stripe. All is well.

Just remember, you guys asked for this. Let this be an object lesson in the notion of being careful what you wish for. Actually, if this keeps up, we'll make it into a weekly feature. So if you've made or found crazy crap like this, feel free to send it my way at nhllogos@gmail.com and who knows, you just might freak somebody out.

Poll: Red Wings vs Canucks

	vs
Detroit RED WINGS		Vancouver CANUCKS

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!

UPDATE (9/4 1:29 PM): Hi guys! Sorry I had to close the comments for this post. Like the Blackhawks/Oilers poll, things were getting a little crazy. I don't mind your having an opinion. I mind your belittling the opinions of others. You know who I'm talking about. The logic of calling someone a liar for having an opinion is lost on me. Please continue voting, but the comments on this post will stay closed at least for a little while. (It's a close one!) Thanks for visiting!

Poll opening date Sep 2 @ 7:45 AM

Poll closing date Sep 9 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W2D | DETvVAN

Result: Kings vs Red Wings

Detroit
RED WINGS
67% 9,019 votes

Los Angeles
KINGS
33% 4,391 votes

13,410 total votes

Detroit Red Wings
Advancing to Quarterfinals to face Sharks or Canucks

Los Angeles Kings
Eliminated

Click here to see the original poll

Poll opening date Aug 23 @ 4:27 AM

Poll closing date Aug 30 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W1F | LAKvDET

A Bunch Of Concept Logos

I get a lot of emails with concept jerseys but most of them make use of the team's actual logo. But sometimes people send in new ideas for logos. That's what this post is about.

We're going to kick things off with the Buffalo Sabres. Lots of complaints have been lodged over the Sabres' new logo. There is even an entire site dedicated to the subject. Just as interesting is the now-famous design of John Slabyk. His work is nothing short of brilliant. But then someone emailed me this. And it rivals Slabyk's work on a different level.

The logo is very abstract but very unique because of it. The colors are a bit muted and I think that is actually a plus. But I feel like this is a very sharp logo. I'm curious to know what you all think of it. Please comment.

But that's not all. You probably know by now I'm not a huge fan of the Detroit Red Wings logo. I get the whole tradition/Original Six thing, but all right already. The Bruins are an original and their logos kick ass. They do. I'm not necessarily saying this is the answer for the Wings, but here's an idea.

I think the addition of black to the color scheme adds a lot to the uniform. The monochromatic red/white combo rubs me the wrong way — though I completely associate it with a scary good team. A little change never hurt anyone (except for the Islanders in the mid-'90s).

While still on the topic of the NHL's mainstays, you also probably know I'm not terribly keen on the Toronto Maple Leafs' logo. People like to say stuff like, "you don't mess with tradition" and the Leafs logo has been around forever. But the fact is, while the Leafs have been around forever, the current incarnation of logo has only existed since the 1970s. Anyway, what do you make of this?

I like the incorporation of the CN Tower, but I think this is more worthy of a secondary logo. I could see it as a shoulder patch, but not a primary for the Leafs. Thoughts?

Next we have the New York Islanders. I'm always talking about how a lighthouse would serve as a good logo element for the Islanders. Here's a rather simplistic version of that idea.

One of the most controversial notions I hold is the idea that the Chicago Blackhawks do not, in fact, have the best logo in all of professional sports. (Stop throwing rocks at me.) Here's what someone came up with to alter the Hawks' logo.

I see the differences and they make sense, but for my money, it's a lateral move. No better, no worse. Anybody else have an opinion on the logo?

One day I'd like to hear a real explanation as for why people think this logo is one of the best out there. There are too many colors in it and it's just so jumbled. A lot of you guys say simplicity rules all. That doesn't apply here. If you can educate me, leave a comment. I read them all.

Poll: Kings vs Red Wings

	vs
Los Angeles KINGS		Detroit RED WINGS

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 Aug 23 @ 4:27 AM

Poll closing date Aug 30 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W1F | LAKvDET

Wings Rearrange Captains' Jerseys

A reader emailed me a link to this article from the Detroit Free Press regarding the Red Wings new uniforms today. Apparently, today the Wings officially unveiled the jerseys to the public (despite having posted images of it online last week).

Notice anything strange about it?

Traditionally, the captain's "C" is worn on the player's left shoulder — this is true across the league. But apparently, because the tip of the wing logo reaches too high, the "C" would have collided with the confluence of three different types of material. So to avoid that problem, Niklas Lidstrom's "C" will swap sides starting this year.

Here you see equipment manager Paul Boyer showing off the new threads. Not too shabby, if you ask me.

Naturally, this will affect Detroit's alternate captains as well. Just like the "C," the "A" will also go on the right shoulder now. What do you guys think of the new location? Does it really make a difference?

Red Wings Unveil New Uniforms!

Giant tip of the hat to a reader for emailing in this information. There was no big fanfare or public unveiling event, but the Detroit Red Wings have officially unveiled their new Rbk EDGE uniforms. Check them out.

The Red Wings join the Flyers and Rangers as teams making the new jerseys available for pre-order on the web site. The graphic to the left can be found on the Wings' web site and it links to the order form. Detroit has separated itself from the Flyers and Rangers, however, by making images of the new jersey available.

Anyway, the Red Wings become the eighth team to unveil their Rbk EDGE jerseys and we eagerly await the rest of the league.

Red Wings vs Predators

	vs
RED WINGS		PREDATORS
4-9		7-5

The Aesthetics
Neither of these logos are very simple in design but they're complete opposites in color. The Red Wings logo is rather monochrome while the Predators logo just goes nuts with color. Ultimately, that will give the Preds the edge here.
Predators

The Nickname
I'd imagine any Red-Winged bird would be smart enough to fly up high so as to avoid the Predators on the ground.
Red Wings

The Analysis
Even though I think the Red Wings logo could use some upgrades (think Boston Bruins), it is still very effective and one of the most well-known in all of sports. That has to earn it some credit, right? The reason I'm giving in this point, though, is because it takes that extra step in referencing their home city with the wheel (you know, Motor City) while the Predators does not. And so ends the tournament for the Wings.
Red Wings

WINNER

2-1

 

Deplorable Detroit Design

Not sure exactly where I first saw this design for the Detroit Red Wings new Rbk EDGE uniform, but not to worry, I'd bet money on it being a fake.

Now you can see why. It is rather ugly. I mean, like, really, really ugly! Scary ugly!

But what do you think? Is it really as bad as I'm making it out to be or would something like this work for the Red Wings?

Red Wings vs Avalanche

	vs
RED WINGS		AVALANCHE
4-8		10-1

The Aesthetics
When these teams get together, it's usually the greatest playoff hockey you could hope for. But when comparing their logos head-to-head, there's really no question in my mind as to who takes the cake.
Avalanche

The Nickname
Red-Winged birds have no fearing falling snow as they can simply fly over an Avalanche. Not too close, though.
Red Wings

The Analysis
I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the longevity of the Red Wings logo. I'd also get an earful from ultra-traditionalists who fear change with regard to the Original Six like the very plague if I suggested an upgrade of any kind for it. But let me just remind you all of the new Boston Bruins logo. No limbs were lost when that was unveiled. So open your minds a little... and accept the fact that one day the Avalanche logo will be looked upon as a sports logo classic in the same way — except better because as of right now, it doesn't need an upgrade. Any changes would only hurt it. You see where I'm going now?
Avalanche

WINNER

2-1