Throwback vs. Fu-Back: Buffalo Sabres

In this segment, we will discuss comparisons between throwback logos and uniforms, and 'fu-backs', or the throwbacks revived in a contemporary sense. The suffix 'fu' stands for future, if you don't know. For our first feature, we have the Buffalo Sabres. 

Dark Jerseys

Pat LaFontaine and Jason Pominville in the old and
new blue uniforms

The Sabres joined the NHL in 1970, and their initial logo was a bison jumping above two crossed swords inside a blue circle, with a yellow border complementing it. The logo was later revived in the 2008-09 season as an alternate before replacing the infamous 'Buffaslug' logo in 2010. In the two versions, the blue is noticeably darker in the latter, with a piping of silver and front uniform number added for a more modern look. Otherwise both dark jerseys, as seen on Pat LaFontaine and Jason Pominville, look similar. The jerseys are more than just classic, they are closely identified with the history of the Sabres.

Light Jerseys

Pat LaFontaine and Jason Pominville in the old and 
new white uniforms

The white version of Buffalo's iconic sweater mirror that of their dark counterparts, with front numbers, darker blue and silver piping added in the current uniforms. Their purposes of use also differ. The original white jerseys, as seen on Pat LaFontaine, had always been worn at home, while the current ones, as seen on Jason Pominville, are the assigned road uniforms, although they have worn them at home once every season. The original jersey, through minor changes, were worn during the infamous 'Fog Game' in the 1975 Stanley Cup Finals, and the iconic Brad May goal in the 1993 playoffs against the Bruins.

Perhaps it was the right thing for the Sabres to return to the modernized classic logo and uniforms in the 2010-11 season, after experimenting with the red, black and silver motif from 1996-2006, and the infamous 'Buffaslug' logo from 2006-10. After all, fans love, admire and enjoy the classic look. However, it may have been better to stick with the classic hues of blue and gold in order to emphasize both tradition and excellence. The winner: Throwback