I wanted to write about something a little more fun than my "Save the Pens" rant, so I think, with the debut of the new sleeker uniforms at the All-Star Game a few nights ago, it's time for my opinions on each team's current jerseys and what should, or shouldn't be, changed.
I'll start in the East and then do a separate post for the West.
Pittsburgh - Of course, I'm going to talk about my team first. I feel no major changes are needed. Some people don't like the Las Vegas Gold, but I think it differentiates them from the Steelers and Pirates. A new third jersey for next year would be nice.
New Jersey - There isn't many changes you could make that wouldn't draw the unwanted attention of Christian fundamentalists. A 3rd jersey featuring the legendary Jersey Devil creature could be a lot of fun.
NY Islanders - Again, not much that can be changed. I would like to see them drop the orange crush jersey however.
NY Rangers - Am I the only one who hates the retro ties? A cool idea would be to incorporate a camouflage 3rd jersey to honor our military, particularly the U.S. Army Rangers. I doubt that MSG would have the courage for something that bold and pro-military in the heart of downtown Manhattan.
Philadelphia - No real complaints here. Unlike the Isles, a big dopey orange jersey fits this franchise well.
Boston - The classic "B" in the wheel look will never get outdated. Heck, even the 3rd jersey with the bear head is a nice mix of modern design, with the kid-friendly clawmarks on the shoulders, and tradition, as the team wisely stuck with a classic bear head.
Buffalo - Yeah. I was building to this. Who allowed these guys to change their name to the Snails? The logo is atrocious. The rest of the uniform isn't bad, it's just too busy and too Euro for my taste. Seriously, they could've just taken the old red and black unis and switched the colors to blue and gold. Come on. Or just use their original unis, but update them a bit (a la current Pittsburgh Penguins.) I have a great appreciation for what this organization has done on the ice, but I'm really glad I'm not a Sabres fan just because of these horrendous jerseys.
Montreal - No changes needed..........ever. I have a tremendous amount of respect for this team and organization. My 2nd favorite NHL team, the jersey is a classic and rests with Yankees pinstripes and the Green Bay Packers on the "untouchable" jersey category.
Ottawa - The use of the Praetorian Guard for a mascot elevates the notion of "Senator" from a bunch of grumpy old men (and women) to something that can be cool and very intimidating. One of the best of the post-Original 21 era.
Toronto - I know they're Original Six, but the uniform is BORING. The logo is EVEN MORE BORING. A blue maple leaf outline with the words "TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS." Ugh! The sad thing is I have no idea how to remedy the situation.
Atlanta - I still have no idea how Atlanta Thrasher fandom began to be identified as "Blueland", but the blue 3rds are pretty cool. The regular jerseys are ok as well. About as good as you can get considering the mascot is an aggressive robin.
Carolina - Yawn. A hockey puck surrounded by swirlies. Yay. The red is fairly distinctive at least.
Florida - The Panthers unis, unlike the rest of the operation, actually work pretty well. The coolest touch has to be the crossed hockey stick and palm tree. At least it's not teal.
Tampa Bay - I never understood the mixed fonts in the words "Tampa Bay" and "LIGHTNING", but overall this works pretty well.
Washington - Let's face it. Any change was better than their original uniforms. And the Eagle and Capitol Building work pretty well. I wouldn't ask Leonisis how that whole "America's Team" promotion went, considering they're having trouble promoting themselves as Washington's team. And they even have Ovechkin.
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1 comment:
I'd love to see the Pens go back to their old-school powder blues for a third jersey. I'd buy one.
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