Pardon the pun, but rumors of a new Lightning third jersey have been “buzzing” for months. This video clip from a broadcast last season all but confirms a new look for Tampa Bay in 2014, but does not give any clues as to what they may look like. Popular speculation tends to think that the jersey will be black since fans have complained about the lack of the beloved black in the uniform since the overhaul of the logo and jerseys in 2011. Monday, the above image “leaked” onto the blog, Hockeybay, who hints that this is the new sweater we have been hearing so much about. However, when I looked at the image I noticed a few things wrong. First off, the jersey is an older template, similar to the 2006-2007 jerseys, the numbers are in the style they were before the rebrand, and thirdly, it’s just poor Photoshop. It turns out that my skepticism was correct. The photo below was taken from Icethetics, a blog that specializes in hockey uniform alterations and concepts, from a post made in 2006. The jersey below was apparently a concept for a jersey during the first lightning rebrand following the lockout that never made its way to the ice.
While the “leak” on Monday may be nothing more than somebody having fun with Microsoft Paint, the question of what the alternate will look like still remains. An unveiling of the new third jersey should come soon with the season approaching, but if we are forced to wait, we will find out on November 13 against the Sharks when the lightning are scheduled to wear their third for the first time this season. According to the Lightning’s official website, the remaining third jersey schedule should look like this.
Thurs., Nov. 13 · vs Sharks
Sat., Nov. 15 · vs Islanders
Sat., Nov. 22 · vs Wild
Sat., Nov. 29 · vs Senators
Sat., Dec. 6 · vs Blue Jackets
Sat., Dec. 27 · vs Hurricanes
Sat., Jan. 17 · vs Avalanche
Sat., Jan. 31 · vs Blue Jackets
Sat., Feb. 7 · vs Kings
Sat., March 7 · vs Stars
Sat., March 14 · vs Jets
Sat., April 11 · vs Bruins
Aesthetics of Athletics 