Power ranking the NHL’s alternate jerseys for the 2019-20 season

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) skates by the bench after scoring during a game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers on November 29, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) skates by the bench after scoring during a game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers on November 29, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

12. Philadelphia Flyers

The City of Brotherly Love has entailed some of the best hockey sweaters since the Flyers’ inception back in 1967.

Yes, the team has portrayed some minor bumps along the way with some questionable alternate jersey designs over the years, and team’s Reebok Edge jerseys that were introduced in 2006-07 were thankfully short-lived.

However, the team’s newest alternate sweater that was introduced last season is worthy of being ranked higher on the list than most back third jerseys around the NHL.

Why?

Something just feels right when it boils down to the Flyers wearing a black sweater. When black third jerseys were introduced, part of the aim was to add some intimidation out on the ice – a characteristic that the Broad Street Bullies and their fan base are familiar with.

2000 Season: Philadelphia’s one-two scoring punch, Eric Lindros and John LeClair. (Photo by Jim Leary/Getty Images)
2000 Season: Philadelphia’s one-two scoring punch, Eric Lindros and John LeClair. (Photo by Jim Leary/Getty Images) /

The team’s first black alternate that took to the ice in 1997-98 was a thing of beauty. It was that appreciated to the point where it replaced the Flyers’ orange jersey in 2000 and for the first time in the team’s history Philadelphia didn’t don an orange-based uniform.

Similar to Los Angeles, this jersey stays consistent and true to the Flyers’ brand. It’s simple and gets the point across. However, there’s always a common theme and mistake with a majority of black alternates.

By now you should be able to guess what that element is…

It could entail some white stripes or at least have the jersey’s numbers and nameplates filled in as white and outlined in orange to make the sweater pop. The original black jersey portrayed those characteristics and truly enhanced the jersey’s overall appearance.

Either way, nicely done.