Pittsburgh Penguins to Unveil Third Jersey in 2008-09

Blogging juggernaut, Chris, from Icethetics has been banging out daily posts about the list of 18 NHL teams currently set to unveil new "third jerseys" for the 2008-09 season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have joined the list of teams that already includes, but is not limited to: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Carolina, Dallas, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York Islanders, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Jose, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Additionally, the Blackhawks and Red Wings are expected to wear one-time only vintage jerseys when they meet in this years' Winter Classic.

The Montreal Canadiens will be celebrating their centennial season during 2008-09, and Chris looks for them to to don a variety of classic sweaters throughout the season to commemorate their 100th year as an NHL franchise.

Back to the Penguins' jersey design...

The Pens have confirmed that they submitted a design similar to what they wore during last years' Winter Classic for approval as their third jersey.

The aforementioned jersey (pictured at the top of this article) is a replica of the Penguins' home jersey that they began wearing during the 1968-69 season, their second full season in the NHL.

The throwback Winter Classic jerseys were an instant success, reminding Penguins' fans of Old Time Hockey. It would be a rare occurrence to attend a game at Mellon Arena and not spot at least ten of these jerseys in the crowd.

Kudos to the NHL for recognizing the importance of the third jersey, and deciding to reinstate it now that the RBK Edge Jersey contract has expired.

Among the teams not mentioned in the running to don a third jersey this coming season are; Rangers, Devils, Panthers, Capitals, Blue Jackets, Predators, Ducks, Avalanche and Flames.

The Red Wings and Devils are the only two current NHL teams that have never worn a third jersey.

Though nothing is set in stone yet, rumors have been circulating about the unveiling of several third jerseys around the league since mid-March.

I feel that this is a great move for marketing and revenue-generating for the NHL, if they do indeed go through with these initial plans—and all indications say that they will.