Monday
Mar222010
Polls: NHLToL Week 3
Monday · Mar 22 · 2010 | 6:00 AM PDT Comments Off
Polls close Sunday 28 March at 11:59 PM
Eastern Conference
Western Conference
Calgary Flames |
Anaheim Ducks |
NHLToL 31
|
Nashville Predators |
Vancouver Canucks |
NHLToL 32
|
Edmonton Oilers |
Dallas Stars |
NHLToL 33
|
St. Louis Blues |
Los Angeles Kings |
NHLToL 34
|
Colorado Avalanche |
Minnesota Wild |
NHLToL 35
|
Columbus Blue Jackets |
Chicago Blackhawks |
NHLToL 36
|
Commenting: Feel free to add your comments about the polls below. Keep it short, relevant and friendly. Currently, commenting is unmoderated. Abuse it and commenting will go away. I'd prefer to offer an open discussion but not at the expense of civility. Also, if you choose to announce the logos you've voted for, do it in paragraph form. Comments with long lists will be removed.
Reader Comments (74)
The matchups I think will generate the most intrigue (i.e. they'll probably be close):
Capitalss-Maple Leafs
Devils-Penguins
Avalanche-Wild
Matchups I think will be curb-stompings:
Canadiens-Lightning (sorry, Chris!)
Flyers-Hurricanes
Sabres-Rangers
Flames-Ducks
The Flyers logo works in the same way the nickname was chosen - it's emblematic of how the nickname flows phonetically (the lore suggests it was because of the sound of "Philly Flyers"). For me, the Hurricanes logo would be a little better if it weren't so squished - it looks like Mr. Tyzik the Head-Crusher worked on it!
I think the Kings' crown logo is getting very underrated in this tourney. As busy as it might be, it's simpler IMHO than the original crown logo, and doesn't look like a riff on another brand altogether (the Gretzky-era "Chevy bowtie" logo - granted, it is derived from the non-uniform banner logo, but still...)
I'm really surprised the Rangers logo is as far ahead as they are. And by that, I mean I voted for the Sabres. Why? I understand the Rangers logo has all this tradition, but it is very simple to me. Too simple. There's really no creativity to it whatsoever, in my opinion. It is, essentially, a wordmark.
Blues-Kings: I had to go with the Blues. While I hate voting based on "tradition", both these teams are from the '67 expansion. The Kings have changed their color scheme dramatically twice in their history. The Blues logo has stayed the same ever since they first entered the league, while every other non-Original Six team has changed theirs at least once (other than the Flyers). In a league where a lot of teams went to "cartoonish" and "just plain bizarre logos", there's something to be said about a good logo that fits perfectly. It's a Blue Note that represents the city (and the region, in general) perfectly. It's one of those logos that can't be improved upon (other non-O6 teams I can say that about: Calgary, Colorado, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Minnesota. Maybe Florida also, although it maybe has too much detail.)
Colorado-Minnesota: Why is it that every Avalanche or Wild poll is so difficult for me? I just said they're both logos that can't really be improved upon, so how do you decide which is better? I went with Minnesota, because it has so much imagery in such a short space, without looking too crowded. It still looks very simple. They've both used these same logos since the very beginning, but Minnesota's just has too much going for it.
I dont get why the Dallas Stars logo gets no respect. It's simple, classy, has a unique colour scheme and its been around for over 15 years.
The Wild by far have the best modern logo, lets hope they knock off a few original six logos.
I can tell you I give no love to the Stars logo because it's too close to the Baltimore / Philadelphia Stars of the old USFL. Different colors and font, I know...but the theme is the same (and not that creative to boot). At least the Stars minor league team in Cedar Park gave the star some depth.
Well, the Preds will hover around 40-50% until the Canucks fans wake up and find their way to the computer. And, as good as the Blackhawks logo is, there is no way Columbus should be losing that badly. Kings and Blues was a very tough poll, I like both logos a lot. Went with the Kings in the end though, for the color scheme, symmetry and a good adaptation of a classic logo. Yet, the Blues logo is very good in its own right. Thrashers-Panthers should also be close, whereas Flames-Ducks and Rangers-Sabres are shaping up to be blowouts, and rightfully so. I don't see the Ducks or Sabres getting very far at all in this tourney.
Ha ha... Buffaslug
I am officially petitioning the site to remove the Slug as the representative logo for the Buffalo Sabres. Center Ice features the Cross Sword logo as does most of the teams new media and marketing. Isn't it about time you just bite the bullet and put the Cross Swords up against these logos. You know it will make it a lot more interesting.
I wish i could have said this sooner, and im sure some of you did... this is a logo tournament. I cant stand thinking that some of these logos are winning because of history, or tradition. I dont think the habs logo is a better logo than the lightning, i dont think the canucks logo or the maple leafs logo are better than their oppositions, but the polls have me corrected. ok you might think im just bashing canadian-team logos, but i truly believe that a logo should be comprised of creativity from the name of the team, the location of the team, and the region. I dont see what a whale coming thru some ice has anything to do with vancouver... but i might be wrong. yes the leafs logo is spot on with the region, culture, etc. but i think that it could be updated, its friggin 2010, right? haha to each his own, love the website chris, been a big fan since pre rbk era. first time write tho
I'm really surprised that the Blackhawks are winning. Columbus has one of the best logos and identities in the league, whilst the Blackhawks is... An indian. It's not bad but by no means creative. I do know this is essentially one big fan vote-off which means those with smaller fanbases aren't going to win often, but come on, this is just stupid bandwagoning on some certain people's parts.
I can't believe that Buffalo's logo even has 18%!
Sorry Chris. Had to go with the Habs today.
I don't know how Nashville is so close to Vancouver in votes. Canucks logo is way better!
For those guys who are complaining about the original sixlogos, let's remind you that those logos didn't need to be changed for 50+ years, which shows how good they were in the first place. Same case with the blue note, the Flying P and while the flaminc C changed colors over time. The Buffaslug showed us what happens when you try to look modern for the sake of modernity.
Oh and Kyo the Bowtie wasn't the Original Kings logo.
Shawa, the problem with that argument is that after a while, the logos just become such a part of the team's identity that even if they absolutely suck, there would be outrage from their fanbase and many other fans.
That said, I like the habs logo and think it should be the lightning. I'm sorry Chris, but while the current one is better then their old one, the lightning logo is still crap. If they got rid of the Tampa Bay it would stand a chance. Blackhawks is genuinely great, it's refined and classy. It's a different style then the Jackets sure, but they're both genuinely top notch logos.
But yeah, running down the O6 in my own hopefully reasoned opinion:
Habs- been through a billion different variations, but Ch- Club de Hockey- it's along the lines of baseball's numerous letterform logos. Simple shapes, instantly recognizable. Great logo.
Blackhawks- Classic, classy, mascot logo. The standard to which all other mascot logos strive.
Leafs- Generic piece of crap. How it's winning I have no clue. If you have to spell out the team or city name in the logo, it fails.
Rangers- Yuck. The shield is alright, but the way the text is oriented makes it look like a kindergarten cut and paste. If they did the letters like they do them on the jersey it would be much, much, much better. Still better then the slug though, simply because the slug is astronomically bad. And don't read this as a judgment of their jerseys. I love their jerseys, especially the white.
Red Wings: Not simple, not balanced, just flat out ugly. But it's so entrenched that it would be impossible to ever change, it's been in continuous use since the 30's, there's simply a ton of history there.
Note on the Caps- I noted in the leafs that if the logo has to have the name written out it's a fail. This here is the exception, because the words are the logo itself, not secondary to an image.
BTW, The Hurricanes logo got matched up against the flyers. I love the Canes logo, but the flyers are one of the best in the NHL. Why couldn't the canes be matched up against a basement logo, huh? No fair!
//Kidding, in case you couldn't tell.
There is a direct correlation between "classiest" and "best". Being around for a long time shouldn't win this thing alone, but it does carry some weight. Having said that, the Leafs logo is brutal. Historic and timeless, but brutal. The Habs logo is better designed and classier. The Oilers beat the Stars, easy. The overall winner? The Blackhawks. Not just the best logo and jerseys in the NHL but possibly the best in pro sports.
Wow. Chris sent his beloved Lightning up against the Canadiens like some sort of sacrificial lamb. :D
Columbus has a great logo, but everyone knows the Blackhawks is just a bit better, but that doesn't mean we don't all love the Blue Jackets logo.
Tampa Bay needs a slightly more realistic logo with less exaggeration on the bolt and a better font. And get rid of the grey/silver in the colour scheme.
Leafs logo is crap. Also, the Capitals logo has an edge to it that matches the team well.
This tournament is slowly showing us just how good the overall crop of logos in the NHL is. We're about 4 or 5 new logos away from a league full of great taste.
How would folks feel about the Leafs logo if it was the vintage leaf, instead?
The vintage leaf would make it even better.
I bet half the people are just voting for the original six because they're the original six. If you actually look at some of the logos, they really aren't that great.....
Trump go ahead and petition it... while you're at it petition for the alternate logos for the Leafs, Coyotes, Canucks, and just about any other team that has a different alternate logo.
It shouldn't matter what Center Ice uses. Go to NHL.com. Look at the team logos up top. What do you see?
I've said it before in the comments (to people complaining about using primary logos and not alternates) at the former site, the second tourney was ALTERNATE LOGOs. What do you put the classic saber logo in both because people like it more?
I'm hoping next week is the first clash of the Titans....Bruins vs. Flyers, but Chris will probably save that til the last week of division voting in 2 weeks because its only right to have the best last.
For who ever said "what does the whale have to do with Vancouver?" it is an Orca and there are Orcas around the Vancouver area.
That's why.
Buffalo should not have changed their logo, even the buffalo head was better.
Detroits is plain and ugly, same with their jersey's, change is good.
I can't believe Chicago still uses an Indian head. This is without a doubt the most archaic and racist logos (and team names) out there.
I hate when people (Liek BARON down at the bottom there) have to bring politics into sports. Just shut up and appreciate a good logo. GO HAWKS!
The Blackhawks logo IS racist. So is their team name as are the Atlanta Braves, the Cleveland Indians and the Washington Redskins (Redskins? WTF?). No other race would be used as a pro-sports nickname or mascot. Think about it.
Having said that, the Wild have the best logo in the league right now but the Canucks skate logo is the best ever. That skate was going fast!
The old Canucks Skate Logo (aka- the plate of spaghetti) was perhaps one of the WORST logos of all time! The Canucks need to change their logo to one of the Johnny Canuck Logos... or the Stick in the Rink... they are great logos.
The Braves were named in honor of a player who WAS a native american who died in a train wreck. I cannot see how that is racist in any way.
PS - Fighting Irish ring a bell? That seems much worse to me, its racist, bigoted AND a stereotype. No one complains about it...as well they shouldn't.
OK so they deleted my post because of the long list...(sorry i forgot to read the thing at the top). It was after CONOR's post and I think the last 2 posts were kinda answer's to what i had to say... but here I will re-post in a simpler format
I agree with CONOR's post. Keep politics and sports apart. The Blackhawks logo is only considered racist because it has the picture of a traditional native american and they call themselves the Blackhawks. I am sorry but saying that is racist is an opinion I must disagree with. When will we get over issues that divide people? Why can't the Blackhawks be considered a respectful representation in hockey of native american culture instead of racist? (keep in mind I am only talking about hockey....other sports may have some typical racial slurs used for some team names but the Blackhawks are not on of them in my opinion)
What I do have an issue with is logo's that have nothing to do with the name of the team. OK Vancouver it's your turn. Every team in hockey has a logo that represents the name of the team EXCEPT VANCOUVER! Yes Orca's are in the surrounding waters of the Vancouver area but does that mean it has anything to do with the team name? NOT IN THE LEAST! That being said I am a strong supporter of the Canucks franchise but I have never liked the "new" logo for this reason. What happened to the old C-skate?...I voted for the canucks anyway :D
The Blackhawks logo is not racist it is just representing native american culture. Saying it is racist is only hate mongering.
I do have an issue with team names that have nothing to do with the team name (i.e. the vancouver canucks logo). Every team in the NHL has a logo which represents thei team name except vancouver. Sure there are Orca's in the surrounding waters of the vancouver area but does that mean an Orca whale has anything to do with the canucks? NOT IN THE LEAST! That being said, I am an avid supporter of the canucks and always will be but I have never liked the "new" logo for this reason. Whatever happened to the C-skate logo? I voted for the canucks over the preds anyway :D
sorry about the double post....i thought i didnt post the first one because my PC crashed...I did not see it when i re-visited the page.....
Oh thank god, the canuck fans have made it out.
Once again, the Canucks-Predators poll has about 250 more votes than all the other polls. Can't you guys at least have the respect to vote on all the matchups?? Oh wait, you cant because there can't possibly be a better logo than that birthing whale thing that has SOOOOO much to do with a Canuck (thats sarcasm in case you can't tell)
I see what people are saying about the orca logo having nothing to do with the name Canucks but a B has nothing to do with a Bruin, a bear. The B can stand for both Boston and Bruin but the C in the Canucks logo can also stand for Canucks in the same way. The hub explanation of an earlier post from week one or two explained pretty well why the Bruins logo is designed the way it is and in the same way can explain why Vancouver's orca is in their logo. Also the Canadiens C is as much a depiction of a Canadien as the Canucks C a depiction of a Canuck. Furthermore the Sabres no longer have sabres in their logo and only have a buffalo now which is also a depiction of the city like the orca for Vancouver Or a B in the hub for Boston.
It used to be Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment that ran the Canucks and GM Place. Have since changed the name to Canucks Sports and Entertainment.
When Orca Bay took over the franchise they changed the logo to an orca. Orca Bay Sports.......the logo is an orca.......are the pieces starting to fit together?
It's still junk but it's better than the Preds.
P.S. I'm Irish and the Fighting Irish logo kicks ass. So does the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks' first owner was coffee tycoon Frederic McLaughlin. He had been a commander with the 33rd Machine Gun Battalion of the 86th Infantry Division during World War I. This Division was nicknamed the "Blackhawk Division", after a Native American of the Sauk nation, Chief Black Hawk, who was a prominent figure in the history of Illinois.
I don't think that is offensive. Redskins on the other hand is just plain ignorant.
Rik,
The Rangers logo may not be the best logo in the league but it is clearly better than the Sabres logo. Not because the Rangers are an O6 franchise but because the Buffaslug (hahahaha) is horrible. The Habs logo is better than the lightning logo not because the Montreal logo is older but because it is better. The O6 may get a lot of sentimental voting but when we're voting in head-to-head competitions some logos are clearly better than others.
I honestly don't understand all the Canucks hate and why everyone has decided to hate on Orcas. But I would like to point out that the Canucks do not have the most votes, that title goes to the Flames, and the Canucks are pretty close in terms of votes when compared to the other blow out wins (-/+ 100).
And since everyone feels that the logo should reflect the teams name, well I think that a sports team should have an animal as a logo. So that means the Oilers, Flames, Blues all fail as logos!
Yep, there's my stupid reason for why some logos suck that's sarcasm, for the slow ones. The poll isn't hard, which logo do you think looks the best, not which one has the best history, best reflects their name, just is #1 prettier or uglier than #2! Not sure why I bothered commenting since people will go on nitpicking....
This is so funny. This is a vote for the best logo...Some teams really shoot themselves in the foot for stuff like this because they're named after things that aren't readily illustrated or logo-ified....ie Blue Jackets, Canucks, Blues, Islanders, Capitals, Rangers... What did they expect?
For what its worth I think the Jackets and Blues have done a fine job with their logos...And unless those Blackhawks knockers want to start a petition to change the team name for the sake of political correctness, the logo is staying. (Chicago First Nations People?...) And it will continue to remain one of the best in the league for years to come.
I may not like the Blues logo, but it is actually a good representation of the team name. In is a musical note for presumably a BLUES song. What else would they do, put a blue glob on the jersey?!?
I'm sorry, but enough hate on the 'Nucks logo. It has everything to do with the Vancouver Canucks as the 'B' in a wheel has to do with Boston.
@ IAIN
I've been reading these comments for the past few weeks and all I see you do is criticize the Vancouver Canucks logo and how ignornt the fan base is. We're voting on the best looking logo, nothing else. BTW I'm a Devils fan.
OK, why does everyone keep saying things about the Vancouver logo not representing a Canuck? This is a logo competition not a English/Socials class! Many arguments have been made about the Bruins logo, Blue Jackets logo etc. and those logos don't really represent the teams name either but this is a LOGO competition! Not a symbolism competition! All logo's that don't have to do with the teams name have to do with the city anyways (ie: Buffalo Sabres)... So people should stop focusing on the meaning and how it actually looks!
thank you john!
@ Craig
You're right. I'm just tired of an awful logo getting so much glory. While at the same time, not seeing the other polls being vote on to the same degree. I have voted in every poll, every week. The slanted results are just proof that fanbase wins out over taste.
As for how I feel about other logos, don't get me wrong, there are some terrible ones out there that aren't the Canucks. Take the Ducks, Sabres and Leafs for example. Meanwhile, there are some pretty great ones, like the Wild, Coyotes and Blue Jackets. I am a Flames fan, and while it would be nice to see them go far, I doubt the flaming C will be able to take on the likes of the classics. Some of the matchups intrigue me, like how the Blackhawks hold such a large lead over probably the best modern era NHL logo. Another matchup that should be closer is the Kings and Blues. Two of the best in the league for their primary marks, I would be satisfied with either winning.
The Blue Jackets deserve better, they have a great logo. Though there is a bias towards Canucks on this site, the voting total isn't that differnet from the other polls. It's around 100 votes more I think. I'm hoping that Canucks don't win this competition though, there's much better logos in this tournament.
The Canucks are at it again
I just think its sad that every other team in group F is gonna have high points, because they get to face that horrible Ducks logo.
On the Canucks note. I am a Canucks fan, but have and will vote against that logo, as I don't think it is that great. To me it's always been an Orca Bay logo, and not a Canucks logo. Give me the stick in rink anyday.
Personally, my favourite logo is the Wild. I just like how all the elements tie together. The river as the mouth, the star as the eye, the moon as the ear.
Holy crap. I NEVER noticed the bear head in the Wild logo before!!!!
Thanks Mike! That completely changes my opinion of the logo. I honestly don't know how I could not have seen that or had someone mention it before. Crazy.