Ranking the Bruins’ modern alternate or special edition jerseys

It’s Jersey Week across SB Nation! Sites across the network are having discussions on all things jerseys, and today, we’re taking a look at alternates.

Since the NHL made the switch to the RBK Edge jerseys in the 2007-2008 season, the home and away jerseys worn by the team haven’t changed much.

There was a tweak to the name and number lettering a couple of seasons back, but the overall look-and-feel has been pretty consistent.

However, over the course of those 13+ years, the B’s have worn five “other” jerseys. I say “other” because these jerseys include alternate/third jerseys and Winter Classic jerseys, some of which were also worn as alternate jerseys.

We’re going to rank them from best to worst!

Let’s begin.

5. 2008-2016 Third Jersey

When it was introduced, this jersey was pretty cool. The crest represented a new take on the Bruins’ past logos, and at a time when the team was a young and up-and-coming group, it fit.

Plus, the all black look was particularly appropriate for the teams of that time that featured hard hitters like Milan Lucic and Shawn Thornton.

As time went on, however, this jersey didn’t age terribly well. The bottom of the jersey could have used some kind of striping, as when combined with the black pants, it kind of looks like a long-sleeved t-shirt.

It was cool for a time, but once the Bruins replaced it, it had definitely run its course.

4. 2019 Third Jersey

Boston Bruins

My first thought when these were released was “these are fine.” Not great, not bad, but fine.

They focus on black, like the jerseys above, but the improvement here is the horizontal stripes across the bottom. The gold and white stripes add a bit of contrast, and make the jerseys look more complete.

The giant “B” is a throwback to the 1940s and is a nice touch. However, there’s really not much of a “wow” factor with these jerseys.

When you consider the overall look, with the black socks, the only thing that really differentiates these from the jerseys above is the different crest and the horizontal stripes.

The B’s thought outside the box with their various Winter Classic threads, but with these ones, they played it disappointingly safe.

3. 2016 Winter Classic Jersey

Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images

Really, these jerseys and the current alternates are almost interchangeable.

Like the current alternates, these improve on the original third jerseys with the horizontal stripe.

What makes these a little better is the crest, as the addition of the brown is a nice touch. The beige throwback numbers are a pretty cool touch, especially the ones on the back of the jersey, which feature purposefully obvious stitching.

The crest, a throwback to the late 1920’s/early 1930’s jerseys, is awesome, and putting raised brown felt where the bear is added a little something to the overall look.

Again, though, these aren’t that different from the black jerseys the team used in the past. These jerseys and the two that preceded them are essentially interchangeable.

Plus, this game was truly horrible, so...that memory doesn’t help.

2. 2010 Winter Classic Jersey

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

I loved these jerseys.

When they first came out, it was easy to be skeptical. In photos, the stripes and accent colors look black; in person, the brown stands out a lot more.

Overall, I thought this jersey was bold and different, and was a departure from anything the Bruins had done in recent years (aside from Pooh, maybe).

I get the snickering over the cartoonish spoked-B logo, but it was different! At a time when the Winter Classic was still cool and new, and hosting an outdoor game was an honor, this jersey fit that bold vibe.

When you add in the brown helmet and brown pants, the whole look comes together quite nicely. The vertical stripes on the pants add another splash of color as well.

Overall, it was weird, but it was cool.

1. 2019 Winter Classic Jersey

Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images

As time has gone by, I like these jerseys more and more.

Playing as the away team for the first time in their Winter Classic History, the Bruins went with all kinds of stripes. Stripes on the arms, stripes on the shoulders, stripes on the socks...stripes!

The classic “B” looked great next to the Chicago Blackhawks’ throwbacks. The lighter colors, with a focus on the white and gold, made these jerseys really stand out.

In this case, the solid-colored pants were a good choice, as the stripes elsewhere were busy enough. These jerseys looked great on the ice as well, which counts in rankings like this.

For the Bruins, this was the first time they had really done something bold since 2010. With the Blackhawks wearing black, the B’s were forced to focus on other colors. The brown, gold, and white looked great.

Interestingly, these jerseys remain pretty difficult to find. The 2010 and 2016 jerseys ended up on discount racks almost immediately (I bought a 2010 at Marshall’s for $20 and a 2016 online at Dick’s Sporting Goods for $40), but this jersey has never really found its way to the clearance pile.

In all likelihood, it’s because there just aren’t as many of them due to the Bruins being the away team.

Or, Bruins fans have great taste, and scooped these up while they were available.