HBO 24/7 Road to the NHL Winter Classic

[kenneth 5]

That's just the sole, they aren't light-up shoes.

omg those are awesome, what are those? retro LA Gear?

[JR Boucicaut 3802]

No, the sole is red, no lighting up...

[5 Minute Major 1]

Bryz' Winter Classic Mask

http://video.flyers....tid=0&id=143304

Bernie's mask in the last vid.

http://www.crossingbroad.com/2011/12/ilya-bryzgalovs-winter-classic-mask-features-mike-schmidt-reggie-white-and-much-more.html

[romdj 26]

It's funny how most player use easton sticks except if they're sponsored by other brands, and also I think that the s19 pure is underrated (timonen) it just looks so cool.

I just love these series, it really is, hockey inside and out..gives you a really great snapshot of everybody's day to day life. and it's intense...

[chippa13 1844]

Easton may have a majority of the teams you're seeing on 24/7 but it can vary from team to team. A lot of times you'll see teams with a majority of guys in whatever brand may be sponsoring a top player or two on the squad.

[JR Boucicaut 3802]

Even though NYR is my childhood team, I feel as if last year's 24/7 was better than this one so far.

It just doesn't seem to be all that interesting this year; last year you thought Boudreau would be fired during it, not to mention the human interest stories were better (although the Torts one was good). This year it just seems as if it is too concentrated on the games itself - who wants to watch highlights?

I hope it picks up.

[chippa13 1844]

I'm sure that in each season they are going to try and give a different angle and perspective to keep things fresh. This year we're getting more of a glimpse into some of the on-ice stuff. The exchange between the ref and Talbot was pure gold, in my opinion. He basically told Talbot, "You're right, you didn't deserve a penalty there but you've been running around like a jackass so I gave you one, anyway."

[jds 20]

REO Speedwagon!!

[DarkStar50 679]

I remember last year when Shanahan was in the shop after the first 2 episodes. The vibe from him was how the NHL was a bit worried about Boudreau, the Caps losing streak at the time and its reflection on the NHL. I agree with JR that the juice from the first two episodes is different than last year. However, I think the NHL may be getting a little bit more influence on what the story lines that get presented are this time around. It seems to revolve around the coaches more this time and less the players. If it wasn't for Bryz, the players might seem kind of boring.

[chippa13 1844]

There was plenty of time spent on the coaches last year, a lot of time was spent with Bylsma away from the rink and hearing what was on Boudreau's mind.

[jds 20]

My 11-year-old son snuck a watch on the PVR and asked "Torts used to be a nice TSN guy, now he's a mean coach". The content isn't as interesting as it was so far but, man, is it ever done well. I am just loving the editing.

[Law Goalie 147]

I think chippa nailed it: the verbal coverage on the ice is way higher.

Last year, they deliberately and transparently tried to construct drama in the editing room. They even had Boudreau's little spiel in the first episiode miming the relative disposition of the teams as though they were dramatic protagonists. This year, they seem more interest in documenting, in finding neat moments, without any real sense of narrative coherence: we all know where this is going, to the Winter Classic, so we'll just fill in as much detail as possible to give the contest some context. It's a different approach, and one I'm sure the NHL head office prefers; it is, however, much less dramatic.

Like JR said, you could practically hear the axe being sharpened along with the skates last year, and, in retrospect, the whole thing has more than a little of the grimly tragic in what happens to Sid in the finale.

[DarkStar50 679]

Last night's episode was the best of the last two years. They really caught the intensity of the teams at so many levels. The chirping was great. I like Peter Laviolette's style, methods, and presentation so much more than Tortorella's. I think back to Tortorella dumping the water on that fan in Washington during the playoffs a few years ago and see now what a nutjob he is. I'd love to hear a player scream back at him, not that it will ever happen! On the other hand, Laviolette is now my hero for those 3 words to Steve Ott: "Go fuck yourself." That is Winter Classic.

[beerleaguecaptain 999]

I'm a huge Ranger fan but I agree.. last year's was better. That being said, I love the chance to get that behind the scenes view of my team and how teams, in general, live their lives. This is truly "reality television." They do not create the story, just document it on film. It is some of the most compelling TV I have ever watched.

[chippa13 1844]

As much as I liked Laviolette's exchange with Ott, I think my favorite parts of last night centered around Rupp. His chat with Shelley was gold. Honorable mention goes to Richards' responses to Sestito.

[mnpucker 33]

Has anyone found episode 3 online anywhere? Thanks

[JR Boucicaut 3802]

Check your PM box

[Steve_v3 289]

Laviolette is now my hero for those 3 words to Steve Ott: "Go fuck yourself." That is Winter Classic.

My favorite was between Ott & Giroux. "Hey Check NHL.com I'm fifth in the league (in faceoffs) & I'll probably win this one" Then Giroux wins the faceoff & the Flyers score.

[skyscrape 5]

I actually like this seasons better. Laviolette and the reporter after the Ott incident was classic!!! I can't remember what happened.

[Powerfibers 8]

I can't find two or three online anymore. Too bad, I was enjoying it. Would get HBO, but this is the only thing I would be watching and at their price, no.

[carodz 17]

I can't find two or three online anymore. Too bad, I was enjoying it. Would get HBO, but this is the only thing I would be watching and at their price, no.

Same here, I found the first two easily but now cannot find any of them.

[JR Boucicaut 3802]

Wow, I found it in 30 seconds flat, yesterday afternoon.

As an admin, it would put me in a compromising position to post the link (as well as anyone else.) But if you're a true "tv-junky," I'm sure you can figure it out.

[shooter27 116]

Does anyone know where I can find all of the episodes from last season? It seems like HBO has taken them off HBO Go and I only found episode 1 on the HBO website. Thanks.

[Steve_v3 289]

Yeah, the Alumni Game was an amazing experience! Bernie making saves! Lindros to Leclair! Mark Howe and Samuellson on D! Evrything about it was awesome! So happy I had the chance to experience that in person! Now on to Mondays big game to end my 3 day weekend.

If you haven't heard.. Bob is starting...

http://www.philly.co...ef=facebook.com

It will interesting to see how this plays on the finale.

[Quintin 16]

Universe. Don't worry, be happy.