24/7 Flyers Rangers Road to the Winter Classic Episode 2 - Review

24/7 Flyers Rangers road to the Winter Classic Episode 2

HBO yet again, out did themselves last night with the second installment of 24/7.  I almost feel like this episode focused more on the Flyers then the Rangers.  It seemed to me that every time you would get into a Rangers activity, BAM! You would be back to the Flyers.  Know I know that Bryzgalov is the Master of the Universe and all but still it is Flyers & Rangers Road to the Winter Classic!

I found this current episode to be very enlightening to how the players feel about the cities that they play in.  They are all so proud to be where they are and to play for their team.  They also give back to their respected communities.  I know all teams do that and I think it’s a great thing.  They could be stuck up jerks and keep their salary to themselves but instead they connect with their fan base and the fans that can’t always go to games.  The best example of humility I have seen is the connection between John Tortorella and the boy with cerebral palsy.  As rough and hard as he comes off in the show and to his team he is very loving and caring to this little boy.  You could feel and see the emotion in Tortorella’s eyes as he was talking about him.  It is so fantastic to see that kind of emotion and generosity to someone.  I hope that he will enjoy his time in Philadelphia and his time at the Winter Classic – a once in a lifetime event for most people.

Last week we saw a member of the Flyers (sorry I can’t remember who exactly) do some fashion modeling on the side when he isn’t on the ice.  This week we saw Henrik Lundqvist rock out in his band on the side.  From what I saw he sounds pretty good!  Wonder if he plays in any clubs in NY!?  Very impressed that these guys can find the time and energy to do side “jobs”.   Nice to see that it isn’t all hockey and that they have average everyday lives outside of hockey with their families.  How cute was Girardi’s 1 year old son?!  Sports super stars that you could walk by on the street and unless you know what they look like you would never know it.  Unlike your typical Hollywood starlet, who can’t walk out their front door without getting slammed or criticized.

A Husky is really a beautiful blonde woman trapped in a dog’s body.  Bryzgalov’s logic.  I will have to remember this when I see my uncles Husky Strider.

Loved seeing inside the family life of the boys.  Obviously first off adorable little Girardi.  And then to see Danny Briere, and his three boys.  It has to be a tough thing for him to be away from his kids, and with no significant other there it sure doesn’t help.  But at least they have Sean Couturier there to play NHL12 with them and act like a big brother! =)

This week’s f-bomb cont was down significantly from last week.  Don’t know this week’s official count but according to what I saw on Yahoo Sports last week’s episode was at 43 in English.

Anyone else feel like the Rangers when heading to games or getting onto their plan feels a bit like they are Mafia Lords?  They are all dressed in their best coats and have these serious faces on.  While the Flyers look good but are far more relaxed in their style.  Maybe it’s all about location?

At one point nearing the end of the episode they show the Rangers skating in a game, fast paced as games always are, and one of the players had his helmet strap not clipped!  Now what the hell is the point of wearing one if you aren’t going to secure it down?!  Really and we wonder why these guys get their brains rattled!

Nice to see Mike Rupp back in action and doing what he does best.  Kicking ass and playing a great game of hockey! 

Although I watched the game in Philly versus the Bruins, I didn’t realize that Sean Couturier took the hit from a puck so hard.  I really hope that he will back in the game soon, with no symptoms.  His career is just starting and he is a very talented young man.

So I guess it’s not just Boston fans that get shit from Montreal.  I remember seeing the Penguins Montreal game back when Letang got his and feeling that the linesmen there favor the home team.  I know anyone can say that for any team, but seriously that hit on Letang should have been a penalty for Montreal and the hit on Jagr also should have been called!  I give respect to the linesmen, I know that their job is hard and sometimes it is hard to see everything that is going on.  But please, please, please, when you are going to be the judge at games go into it as a neutral party!  No team should be favored over others and calls need to happen no matter who the team is.  Fans are going to be pissed at you either way, so just do the right thing and make the right call!  I honestly can say that after seeing that and a few other games in Montreal that they need to get over it and stop whining that Boston is the league’s favorite.  Look at all the crap they get about with.  It’s not the players faults it the fans and the Montreal owners who through huge bitch fits about it.  Just stop, grow up and play the game like real men!  And thank you to the linesmen who knew he made a bad call against Talbot and admitted it.  Its takes a lot of guts to admit you where wrong.

In the words of Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) “It’s time to nut up or shut up!”

I really hope that next week’s episode focuses more on the Rangers team then the Flyers.  I hate writing a whole review on mostly Flyers (it’s the Pens fan in me sorry!).  Better back ground music would be good too.  Not to impressed with some of the choices this week- sorry just didn’t feel like it fit the scene.  I found myself saying what the hell a couple of times when the music was playing.

Next week’s episode is sure to delight.  Episode 3 airs Wednesday December 28^th at 10p EST on HBO.

Edit:  Glad to see that Claude Giroux, has returned for the Flyers and he had an amazing first ngiht back with 4 points.  Good for him.  Now to just have less concussions in the league and we will be all set!