To get this out of the way: I find it still a little cruel when the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche celebrate their respective descents from the Hartford Whalers and Quebec Nordiques. Yes, it’s been 30 years, but as long as fans of relocated teams are still alive, turning around and milking that nostalgia for jersey sales will always feel a bit like dunking on people who got screwed over by their owners and the league, and rubbing it in that they no longer have an NHL franchise. Everyone understands this is a business, but part of that business plan involves pretending there’s something special, too—a real bond between team and city—and that rings all the hollower when the team says, Hey, remember when we ditched your asses?
All that said, Canes-Avs on Thursday, both in their throwback sweaters, was the most gorgeous-looking uniform matchup we’re going to see all season.
