Or Monday, when the Philadelphia Flyers unleashed “Sandy” on an unsuspecting population.
Sandy is the Flyers’ new mascot, and their first since the 1970s. He was an instant sensation, whether you treated him like “nightmare fuel” or were oddly intrigued by him. It’s rare for hockey to burst out of the sport’s bubble, but Sandy was a conversation starter for non-hockey people from ESPN baseball writer Keith Law to comedy’s Paul F. Tompkins. It’s the most incredible NHL debut since Auston Matthews scored four goals in his first game.
So, to that end, Gritty has changed the game. Here are the ESPN NHL mascot rankings in an improved Gritty world, as we rank these plush performers for the 2018-19 season. (Note that the Rangers do not laos email list have a mascot, and the Red Wings' giant octopus was recently sold at auction.)
Note: Click on each pet's name to see who we ranked!
Los Angeles Kings: Bailey the lion Nashville Predators: Saber-Toothed Tiger Crackle San Jose Sharks: SJ Sharkie Pittsburgh Penguins: Iceburgh Philadelphia Flyers: Gritty the… um, we're stumped Calgary Flames: Harvey the Hound Montreal Canadiens: Youppi! Buffalo Sabres: Sabretooth Anaheim Ducks: Wild Wing New Jersey Devils: NJ Devil Carolina Hurricanes: Stormy Tampa Bay Lightning: Thunderbug Vancouver Canucks: Fin the whale Washington Capitals: Slapshot St. Louis Blues: Louie the Bear Toronto Maple Leafs: Carlton the Bear Boston Bruins: Blades The bear Arizona Coyotes: Howler the Coyote Winnipeg Jets: Mick E. Moose Florida Panthers: Stanley C. Panther Columbus Blue Jackets: Stinger Chicago Blackhawks: Tommy Hawk Ottawa Senators: Spartacat New York Islanders: Sparky the Dragon Colorado Avalanche: Bernie the St. Bernard Vegas Golden Knights: Gila Monster Probability Minnesota Wild: Nordy Dallas Stars: Victor E. Green Edmonton Oil: Hunter Los Angeles Kings: Bailey the lion
Known for his in-game antics against opposing fans (or team plants) that include popcorn showers, Bailey has also roared into online feuds with everyone from CM Punk to arrogant hockey writers. The most brazen lion this side of the Scar.
