Our art contest, "Gary Bettman: Portraits in Heroism" continues to mutate in odd and wonderful ways. We were tickled when Kevin Schultz created power rankings for this silliness over on Barry Melrose Rocks. Consider it the unofficial F.A.Q. for the contest submissions process. The following point is worth reinforcing:

2. Pop Culture References That are a Bit More Obscure
While those pop culture reference can be slick, you may have been one of the daring ones. You may have gone with an obscure pop culture reference. While it can be risky, the reward can be big. You never know, this might be the perfect time to throw out a Power Rangers photoshop. But if you're too obscure, no one's going to get it so you must proceed with caution.

That last part could be argued. If "Mystery Science Theater 3000" taught us anything, it's that every joke has a home, no matter how obscure. The bottom line is that funny is funny; and as Kelli Koladish showed with the statue featured above, "David" Bettman is funny.

Ah, but the news doesn't stop there. This morning, we received our first submission from a MSM hockey scribe: James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen.

It's comforting to know that a journalist like James understands how important it is that we paint Gary Bettman in a more heroic light. As you can see, he clearly gets it:

What was that? You'd like to see more "Gary Bettman: Portraits in Heroism" video game submissions? Well, why the hell not ...

While the quality of the actual Photoshopping is debatable, there's no debating the rather inspired image of heroism Numan Mutlib has created here: "Gary Bettman was actually featured on the cover of one of my favorite games, Mega Man 3. He is featured as the midget with a gun for an arm, a.k.a. Mega Man."

The above is Dean Spinelli's baby, a "less-than-half-assed attempt at a portrait" from Metal Gear. But once again, points for ingenuity: "Bettman triumphantly kneels down, rocket launcher in hand, after successfully vanquishing Bob Goodenow. Goodenow is seen dead in the background, as Captain Sig of the Deadliest Catch looks on." Oh, of course ... wait, what?

Chris Jaros presents Gary Bettman's Final Fantasy. His second-to-final fantasy is, of course, soccer-sized goals and games than go into the triple digits.

Heather from Wrap Around Curl re-imagines the commish as Illidan, one the final bosses in World of Warcraft. "I'd give more background, but that would further expose my dorkiness." You said it, sister.

Finally, here's B.D. Gallof, once again making us all feel completely inadequate.

Once more, with feeling: Deadline for submissions is Friday, August 1 at noon EDT. E-mail contest entries (.jpegs preferred) to puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com. Judges are myself, Leahy and a 12-pack of Smithwick's.

And in case you missed them: "Portraits in Heroism" Gallery One and Gallery 2: Gary goes to the movies. On Friday ... it's superheroes! A taste of what's to come, from Jim DiCicco:

Related: Hockey Fans, Gary Bettman, Commissioner for Life