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NHL style power rankings: Players get their fashion in formation; Zeus gets some shine

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I don’t think there’s anything better than traveling somewhere new and embracing the feeling that place gives you. That’s how I felt when I lived in places like Oklahoma City, Houston and Dallas.

I remember my coworkers invited me out to go line dancing in OKC and took me by a store to get me fitted for the occasion. We looked at boots, button down shirts and belts, and I enjoyed it. I wanted to experience what it felt like to really fit in a region so different from where I grew up. I believe part of that is dressing for the occasion.

We saw that a couple times in this week’s NHL style power rankings — and not just on an individual level. In addition to that, man’s best friend made an appearance, too. Not the same way that Bucky did last time, but Zeus’ owner made sure to bring his companion with him on the catwalk, and to let the world know that’s who he was shouting out.

This week, we also saw a bold proclamation from one NHL team, and I’m hoping we see a little more trash talking from the social media teams. Let’s see if you all enjoyed some of these as much as I did.

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It pleases me to no end to see the Yeehaw agenda thriving in the NHL. And not just players here or there or the ones for the teams in the southwest, but an entire team committing to the spirit of the region? I have no choice but to tip my cap — pun completely intended. These gentlemen took one trip to Jackson Hole, Wyo., and suddenly everyone was in a cowboy hat. In addition to loving the overall effort of the group, a round of applause needs to be given to the photographer, because the dark lighting, angles on these photos and the mood captured are all spectacular.

This is being included, because not only do I love the fact that Marner had socks with his dog put on them, but I LOVE the lengths he took to make sure we knew he was wearing these socks with Zeus on them. I absolutely adore my pets, so I understand where the Toronto Maple Leafs right winger, who is on a historic point streak, is coming from. I want to show them off to people as much as people will allow me to. I’m starting to notice a theme with Toronto and socks. Keep up the good work, gentlemen.

There would appear to be a new sheriff in town, folks. I’d have to do a closer examination, but the suit appears to be high-quality wool. Considering the environment, that would make sense, but what really jumped out to me was the texture and color used in this outfit. It’s a very dull greenish-blue, so it makes you take a second look, but without being too loud. I love the tie and pocket square, because it really is a very chill suit, and those two details have a little extra razzle dazzle.

Maybe it’s just me, but I look at the jacket the New York Rangers center is wearing and think it looks so comfortable. The light fabric is perfect for the Los Angeles weather. I think the sandy color is pleasing to the eye, and the decision to go with a mismatched suit is a nice choice. He even takes that step further with a light blue tie and dark blue pants, and he matches the pocket square with the pants.

Who knew a plum suit with a pink dress shirt and bubblegum paisley tie were what I needed in my life? Here’s the thing, I thoroughly enjoy when people tier their outfits; what I specifically mean is they pick a color family and utilize different variations of the primary color. In this case, the Nashville Predators winger ran through the gambit with the color red, and it has such a sophisticated feel. That is, until you read the caption and see the next photo in the post. The Predators’ social team clearly has a good sense of humor.

At first glance, the Minnesota Wild forward seems to be the main character on the copper suit. But we aren’t easily impressed by the exterior, oh no. Upon closer inspection, do you all see the lining? For someone with an enforcer reputation, I didn’t necessarily see that coming. There are bright colors and characters with a range of emotions detailing the inside of Reaves’ jacket. So much more than what meets the eye with this one.

The Colorado Avalanche center has been feeling the color tan and three-piece suits lately. His color-coordination game subtly has been crazy, especially with these two suits from the last two weeks. I prefer the one in blue because it was the more challenging of the two. The blue suit coupled with a tan vest, pocket square and socks mean all complementary colors are working with each other. I see the dark brown shoes, and for a second, I thought the tie might be, too, which would be elite, but after further inspection, it’s determined that it’s black. So close. This is me being very nitpicky, but I wish the hat was slightly more tan to match the rest of that specific color. No points were docked, obviously, but I would be that much more impressed.

If the photographer could explain what’s happening, I’d genuinely appreciate it. I’m incredibly curious about what’s causing the San Jose Sharks defenseman to make this face. Beyond the expression, what really jumped out to me was Karlsson wearing a bowtie with this dapper outfit. I really racked my brain, and I realized I haven’t come across an NHL player wearing a bow tie. I think it would’ve been very easy for him to do a solid dark blue tie to match the suit, but the dark blue striped tie is a nice centerpiece.

I was so tickled by the caption on this photo. The Columbus Blue Jackets social team knows that it has a fashion icon on its roster, and the people working those accounts aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. I love that and lean into it, especially as someone who really enjoys honesty. So why is this the reputation around town about the left winger? Let’s assess. Captivating jacket color? Check. Wine red suit jackets go against the grain, but aren’t so bodacious that it’s obnoxious. Laine then paired the shirt and beanie together, and then threw a tie with black and the muted gold from the suit jacket. C’mon. It’s not obvious, but these are the kind of details I’m a big fan of with clothes.

By itself, the bronze tan suit worn by the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman would turn heads in a room or a crowd. But upon closer inspection, I realized he matched the dark blue lines in his suit and tie with his shoes. So aesthetically pleasing to see that level of attention to detail. I’m even a fan of seeing the lapels and collar slightly lifted, instead of flat.

(Top photo of Nino Niederreiter: John Russell / NHLI via Getty Images)

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