Ranking NHL Logos, Part Two

Here was part one. 

15. Devils

It's very cartoony. When I look at it, I just see an N, not a N and J. But partly because they Devils have been consistently good in my lifetime, it seems not so bad. If an expansion team came out with this, I'd hate it.

14. Avalanche

It would be better without the black in the lower right. Middle of the pack seems fair.

13. Oilers

It's pleasing. The type gives it character. It's nice that they haven't tried to update it to be more modern/aggressive. Clean. 

12. Blues

It's similar to the Red Wings in concept, but nowhere near as pleasing. Still it's nice and clean. No need for any letters. 

11. Wild

I was shocked to see this so low on the original list. It's very Minnesota, a nice landscape with hidden animal bonus. The green is lovely.

10. Rangers

Attention LA: this is how you do a crest. Nice use of lines and curves, red white and blue done in a non-obtrusive manner. Strong lettering.

9. Canadiens

This is a little bit like judging the McDonald's golden arches. What it represents is the oldest, most storied franchise. The logo itself, is classic but kind of bland. The H is a nice touch, but still, it's not in the top 5.

8. Senators

If this was done today, there are so many ways it could have gone wrong. I love how it's not trying too hard.

7. Sabres

A great example of going back to what was working. Buffalo and Sabres all in one neat circle. The Gold is a nice touch.


6. Lightning

Probably a better ranking than most would give it. But I love how clean and flat it is. One color. Amazing how simplicity can work in your favor.

5. Bruins

Simple and strong. Just the right amount of detail. The B by itself would be not enough. Circles help. Notice how we haven't seen a hockey stick in the top 15.

4. Jets

A great example that older doesn't have to mean more classic. The old logo was a dull attempt at combining a Jet into the letters and using a hockey stick as a J. This feels modern and like it was the right choice 50 years ago as well. Nice job. 

3. Blackhawks

We've seen how simplicity can work in your favor, here's one that shows how complexity can be done right. There are a lot of details, but they're done in a clean, simple way to create something special. 

2. Maple Leafs

I really had a hard time deciding between 1 and 2. They're both one color which goes a long way. They  both have iconic shapes. The type is lovely on the leafs logo. But ultimately I gave the nod to Detroit because it didn't need any letters.

1. Red Wings

Simple and complex all at once. There's a concept that represents the city well but it's done it a one-color clean way. What's not to like?