We turn our attention today to the Central Division of the Western Conference. This is an interesting division; two of the teams (Chicago and Detroit) are part of the "Original Six," while Nashville and Columbus are relative newcomers (and thus sport not-so-great jerseys). Let's get started.
Chicago Blackhawks:
Home -- I love these. Chevy Chase did too, as he wore a Blackhawks jersey in the 1989 film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This team, much like the other teams from the Original Six (Bruins, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Rangers, and Red Wings), have stuck to their guns and have kept a relatively similar design over their history. The Blackhawks started wearing ones similar to their current design all the way back in 1955. Good job with the piping on the shorts, too. However, much like the New York Rangers, I'm not digging the diapering effect they have because of the white at the base of their jersey. Reebok created this monster when they took over the NHL jersey contracts in 2007. It's just a minor complaint, though. Score: 4.5/5
Away -- These are awesome, too. While not as good as the home reds, they are iconic and timeless. Score: 4/5
Alternate -- This is where things get tricky for me. Part of me wants to say that these are cool throwbacks, but I guess I'm just not used to the Blackhawks having beige in their jersey color scheme. These are similar to the jerseys they used from 1935-37, and I guess you can't fault them for going back into their storied history for an alternate uni. I guess they could've chosen a worse one. I did like their previous 3rd jersey, but I think their current one is slightly better. Score: 3.5/5
Verdict -- Classic, timeless jerseys that can make a case for overall best in the NHL. Final score: 12/15
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Home -- They came into existence in 2000, and it definitely shows. An ho-hum logo that's actually much better than their previous one. I like the Civil War tribute (Union soldiers wore blue jackets), but the jerseys are nothing special. The thin pin striping on the jersey, as well as the lack of piping on the bright red shorts make it below average. That, plus a pretty bad logo add up to a bad score. Score: 1.5/5
Away -- I think I made my point when commenting on their home jersey; this is boring too, but instead of being blue and boring, it's white and boring. Score: 1.5/5
Alternate -- This is slightly better, and it may single-handedly save them from having the worst jerseys in the league. While it looks like they copied the Penguins' or Panthers' alternate jersey, they pull of a nice color scheme, as well as an upgraded logo. And hey, these shorts have piping! Score: 3/5
Verdict -- Overall, very below average. The alternates saved them, though. Final score: 6/15
Detroit Red Wings:
Home -- This is the final of the Original Six teams, and once again, they have a dazzling jersey. The one thing I don't dig about these is that it is a lot of red...like, a ton. I like the Blackhawks' darker reds and dark logo a bit better. Score: 4/5
Away -- I actually think these are nicer than the red homes; not as loud color-wise, so I'll add half a point. Score: 4.5/5
Alternate -- They rarely wear these, and I understand why. They're above average, but I'll score these lower than the Blackhawks' alternates because I'm not a big fan of the big, think red candy-striping. Score: 3/5
Verdict -- Excellent home and away jerseys, but the alternate pulls their total score down a bit. Final score: 11.5/15
Nashville Predators:
Home -- Ouch. The logo is below average to begin with, but putting it on a uni with a lot of gray makes it pretty bad. The gray is definitely a bad choice. Score: 1.5/5
Away -- Possibly even worse. The home blues look much better with the gray than white does. Once again, gray made this jersey awful. If it were the navy blue and white, it's perfectly fine. Score: 1/5
Alternate -- They have something going here, but the metallic sabertooth tiger doesn't inspire me to strap on my skates and body check someone into the boards. Score: 2/5
Verdict -- The alternate saves it from certain doom, but not enough to move the Predators out of the horrid category. Gray doesn't look good on any jersey -- just remember that. Final score: 4.5/15
St. Louis Blues:
Home -- This is a classic example of a team with excellent jerseys in their past who have taken a step in the wrong direction in recent years. Gotta love these. But now the Blues have these. They're fine -- I just like the older ones better. I also prefer this logo to the current one. To me, this jersey is similar to the Washington Capitals; good design, but somewhat plain. Kudos for not straying from the team's uni history however. Score: 3.5/5
Away -- Very similar to the home jerseys, but the blue on the shoulder just doesn't do it for me. Score: 2.5/5
Alternate -- Here's the alternate logo up close. It's nice, but the Gateway Arch in the background makes it seem too busy. Nice clean jersey design (see Blue Jackets' and Panthers' alternates), though, which gives the Blues an above-average mark. Score: 3/5
Verdict -- Good, solid design, but the older ones (see 1980s, late 90's) are much nicer, resulting in a slightly lower score. Final score: 9/15
Central Division Standings:
Chicago Blackhawks: 12/15
Detroit Red Wings: 11.5/15
St. Louis Blues: 9/15
Columbus Blue Jackets: 6/15
Nashville Predators: 4.5/15
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