Last season HBO put on a great show with the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins on their journey to the January 1st outdoor hockey game know as The Winter Classic. The show was such a huge hit that they came through for a second season with two more great teams, the Philadelphia Flyers & the New York Rangers.
Besides the revenue that the NHL Winter Classic brings into the hosting cities, it is also a great way for fans to really enjoy the roots of hockey, and experience what these players felt growing up playing on the open ice of a pond or lake. You don't have to be a fan of the teams to enjoy the feeling that the HBO staff and players give, to the game of hockey!
I highly enjoyed last season with the Penguins as I am a huge Pens fan. The in depth, behind the scenes look into what these modern day gladiators go through before a game and after was intense and enlightening. It shows the players in a new light not only to hockey fans, but sports fans who may not understand or be entirely into the hockey world. HBO creates a truly unique look into hockey by revealing the personalities and feelings of the players and staff behind each of the teams.
Now, on with this season great match up of the Flyers and Rangers. Could the NHL and HBO have picked a better line up this year? I'm going to have to say no. Both teams have been doing well in the first quarter of the 2011/2012 season. Making it far more interesting then the failing Capitals of last season. While episode one was great it also seemed a little on the dull side at first. I absolutely love the conversation between former Penguins forward, (and now Goal Scoring extraordinaire) Maxime Talbot & his former Coach Dan Bylsma. Talbot's reaction to Bylsma's saying he is a goal scorer now was priceless. And of course who could deny the holiday sweaters return!? On the Ranger's side of the things as seen in many reviews and blogs Ryan Callahan's grandmother? How awesome is she? I know my grandmother wouldn't sit in at an arena for 3 hours. Good for her and its great to see the support that the player's get from their families.
All in all I loved episode one. I hope to see more of the behind the scenes of what the players do on off days when they aren't at the arena.
Episode 2 will be sure to bring in the now lose of Flyers captain Chris Pronger as well as other injuries to the Flyers/Rangers team.
Episode 2 Airs on Wednesday December 21 at 10pm EST on HBO. Watch for replays of episode one on HBO if you missed it, it is a must watch for any fan of hockey.
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