HBO 24/7: Final Episode Recap
by Bryan Winters on Jan 5, 2012 11:52 PM EST
in New York Rangers Game Threads
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Tonight marked the finale for HBO's 24/7 Flyers/Rangers. We all were in for a great showing, and it made it even sweeter to view a Rangers win in the 2012 Winter Classic. HBO put on a great show in all of their episodes leading up to the 2012 Winter Classic. We got to see behind the scenes on how both of these teams prepared for the Winter Classic.
Follow after the jump for the full recap of tonight's episode.
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Tonight's episode began with a a look inside of the Rangers preparations for their match-up against the Florida Panthers. We witnessed John Tortorella going over the tape in their game against the Washington Capitals. Again, Brian Boyle was on the chopping block as he was called out on yet another defensive flaw in his game.
About halfway through the meeting, the video projector died on Tortorella, and I honestly thought he was going to throw a fit. After some time, the projector finally booted back up, just before John Tortorella was about to break something.
Shortly after, we got a glimpse of Sean Avery and Brandon Prust sitting down for breakfast in their Florida hotel. While Sean Avery was aggravated he couldn't get an internet connection, Brandon Prust was enjoying the free orange juice during breakfast.
We quickly switched over the Philadelphia side, with the spotlight Max Talbot, as he returned to Pittsburgh for the first time since signing with the Flyers. About halfway through the game, Talbot received a generous video tribute for his entire time he played in Philadelphia. Nearing the end of the game, Max Talbot would eventually score on the empty net, to seal the deal for the Flyers.
Following that, we jumped over the Sunrise, Florida where the Rangers were taking on the Florida Panthers. After leading 3-0 in the first period, the intermission was a rather cooled off performance from John Tortorella. Just five minutes later, Michael Del Zotto received a sucker punch from Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky. There we saw Brandon Prust leap on top of Kopecky, sharing some words with him. However, Mike Rupp found Kopecky after the scrum and had some words of his own.
Before Rupp gave Kopecky a good beating he stated, "You f*cking piece of s*it, you suckered him." The camera quickly switched over the Brandon Prust who was by the bench sharing some words with his teammates, "My first thought was to jump on him and beat the f*ck out of him. I didn't want to get suspended for the Winter Classic, ya know? I tried to restrain myself." Shortly after we saw Michael Del Zotto receiving treatment on a nasty gash he received from the sucker punch courtesy of Tomas Kopecky.
Del Zotto was quick to ask who jumped in for him after he was punched. Medical trainer Jim Ramsey quickly responded with "Rupper." The Rangers were shown on their flight to Philadelphia, where Ryan Callahan was playing a joke on defenseman Marc Staal. Callahan was sticking the HBO microphone in the face of Staal as he was trying to take a nap. Callahan thought it was pretty hilarious, while the rest of the team was taking a look out the window as they passed over Citizens Bank Park.
We finally jumped into where both teams next game would be the 2012 Winter Classic. We first saw the Flyers last practice before heading into the game, and it wouldn't go out without a bang. Wayne Simmonds blocked a shot with his hand, and it came to the point where he thought his finger was fractured. However, after some treatment, Simmonds was able to remain in the line-up for the Winter Classic.
We had our first Ilya Bryzgalov sighting of the night as he was in his pre-game press conference, on whether he would start in the Winter Classic or not. Bryzgalov was asked about his mindset heading into tomorrow's game, and he responded with "Well to wake up early tomorrow and not forget my thermos, and enjoy the bench." Classic Bryzgalov.
Meanwhile the Rangers were spending their New Years, in a Philadelphia hotel, where they gathered in the meeting room with all of their families. Dubinsky definitely had a few drinks that night as he introduced his grandpa to make a speech to the camera's of HBO, and had some trouble getting the words out.
The Flyers than took to the ice the next morning on the ice of Citizens Bank Park where Ilya Bryzgalov got a short pep talk from Jeremy Roenick. As if that pep talk wasn't enough, Peter Laviolette made sure his players didn't drink too much that night, and got a good nights rest. Shortly after the players families were allowed to join the players on the ice for a family skate. Max Talbot introduced his mother to Jaromir Jagr, and it gave Jagr a perfect opportunity to make a knock on Talbot. Talbot's mother was stumbling to stay on her feet, and Jagr stated that Talbot skated just like his mother.
We than jumped over to the Rangers outdoor practice where Brian Boyle quickly switched into baseball mode. "No batter, no batter, shawinggg batta," Boyle stated as he sat in the dugout waiting to take the ice at Citizens Bank Park. Brandon Prust joined in shortly after as he stated the Rangers were putting in Carl Hagelin to pinch run at second base.
We got see behind the scenes when it was announced that Marc Staal would be in the line-up for tomorrow's Winter Classic. We got to see a quick glimpse of fans entering the stadium for today's Winter Classic. Fans from both sides were excited to get the game underway. We finally got into the Winter Classic, where we saw Claude Giroux giving Artem Anisimov some kind words. "Ref watch Anisimov on the interference, watch him."
After Mike Rupp notched his first goal of the game, and followed it with the Jagr-like salute, the Rangers took exception. Claude Giroux had a hard time believing that Rupp did it, but shortly after took a knock at Rupp by stating he only has two career goals. We finally moved on to the final five minutes of the game where a couple questionable calls were made in favor of the Flyers.
Ryan Callahan didn't take to kindly on being called for holding the stick after he was hooked in the face from Kimmo Timmonen. Than we took a look at the call on Ryan McDonagh that eventually led to a penalty shot coming from Daniel Briere. There was a ton of anticipation revolving around that shot, and HBO showed it perfectly.
Following the Rangers win, we saw John Tortorella's best friend Liam, make an appearance in the locker room. Tortorella shared a hug with his best buddy, and it almost brought tears to my eyes once again. Overall it was a great episode and HBO did a great job with all of the anticipation building. I hope everyone enjoyed the final episode as much as I did.
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“Never get caught telling a hockey player, it is just a game.”
Don’t know about you guys, the end was some seriously powerful @##. Same could be said for the fans, never get caught telling a true hockey fan that either. Makes me want to get back out there right now and play.
The last episode just made me feel more of the truth……………..
Hockey = The greatest sport
Rangers= The greatest hockey team
Ranger Fans= Greatest fans
Don’t know about how all my brother Ranger fans feel, but I feel something big is going to happen. LGR!!!!!!!
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary
Scott Gomez, the gift that keeps on giving!
It didn’t get to me! Found it to be a series of cliches and pictures, would have preferred they end it with a little kid skating on a backyard rink or something
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 6, 2012 11:53 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Dare I say
this season’s turning into something magical?
Was it just me, or after the (Winter Classic) game was over, HBO clearly created a somber….sad atmosphere for the Flyers losing, rather than one of joy or excitement for the Rangers winning… It was blatant.
But that whole series (and victory) was so damn sweet. Just hope the magic continues.
Best Rangers day: May 27, 1994
Worst Rangers day: April 10, 1984
by Stepan the Ice! on Jan 6, 2012 12:04 AM EST reply actions
I mean Philly did host the game. Pretty upsetting to lose on the biggest stage at home.
Is hockey hard? "I don't know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner, and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while 5 other guys use clubs to try and kill us, oh yeah did I mention that this whole time we're standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is ice hockey hard? I don't know, you tell me. Next question."
-Brendan Shanahan
by RichieToGabbySCORE on Jan 6, 2012 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
True...
yet during the game, after the Rangers scored, I noticed “RANGERS!” being flashed up on the jumbo screen thing, and fireworks after the game? What’s up with that?
Best Rangers day: May 27, 1994
Worst Rangers day: April 10, 1984
by Stepan the Ice! on Jan 6, 2012 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
agree, they focused more on the Flyers losing… but hey I have no problem with watching Laviolette cry and Hartnell bitch…
I listen to Enter Sandman before taking exams. I wear the exact same jersey every Giants game. The Rangers goal song goes off in my head when I achieve small successes in life.
HEN-RIK
by BombersGmenBlueshirts25 on Jan 6, 2012 3:35 AM EST up reply actions
Great episode.
So many great moments but too many to name. I really like Giroux and kind of his happy go lucky attitude. Like standing in front Henrik and asking him if he can score on him just once. Too bad he’s a flyer and really too bad he was picked right after Sanguinetti. We’d be in a completely different if we picked Giroux instead, but Bobby Sangs seemed so great and can’t miss at the time that I don’t blame our scouts for taking him.
Is hockey hard? "I don't know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner, and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while 5 other guys use clubs to try and kill us, oh yeah did I mention that this whole time we're standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is ice hockey hard? I don't know, you tell me. Next question."
-Brendan Shanahan
by RichieToGabbySCORE on Jan 6, 2012 12:09 AM EST reply actions
That was fun!
I loved the whole thing-extemely well done, and I have a feeling Leiv Schreiver could read the phonebook and make it captivating. The only glaring ommision was any substantive discussion/interviews about Boogaard, particularly since the Times article was published during fiming.
What amazed me most about the game that we didn’t know about was after Rupp’s 1st goal, I think at the start of the 3rd period they had the video cameras on the 5 Philly players before a face-off in the Rangers’ zone. It was Hartnell…I think Giroux, not sure who else. Their entire conversation consisted of Rupp’s Jagr-esque salute, and what they were going to do when they scored. Somebody brought up AA’s gun celebration during that Tampa game, so they decided on that.
After deciding what celebration to do, they turned to….wait for it, who they were each going to fight if the Rangers started something if they did AA’s gun goal celebration. I mean they actually took the time for each of them to pick out a player.
That whole sequence just really…explains why they lost. How the hell can you lose focus like that just before a face-off? And HBO put it best, instead of getting to celebrate their own goal, Rupp skated down the ice and tied the game.
I’m sure Laviolette will see that and blow a fucking fuse. I know Torts would if the roles were reversed. Great series, awesome behind-the-scenes footage.
by Caerid11 on Jan 6, 2012 12:22 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I disagree that this conversation had any tangible affect on the outcome of the game.
What I saw transpire after that was Rupp score a fluky, weak goal, and then a mad scramble to the finish where the Rangers got ahead and held on. It was 5 guys bullshitting during a commercial break before the face off, big deal. Does that mean they tried any less hard or were any less focused on trying to score? I found this very interesting, because it seems like the type of discussion we would have had on my squirt team 10 years ago, but then you realize, especially watching a documentary like this, that hockey players are still just big kids, probably more then in any other sport, there is that goofy type atmosphere off the ice and what I really think that came down too was those guys just being jackasses. It made it so much more sweet watching Rupper bury number 2, but any kind of reflection on the focus of the Flyers? In my opinion, no.
I dunno, it just seemed to me like their heads weren’t really in it. That’s the same group that had a major defensive lapse that lead to the game-winning goal by Richards.
I was thinking along the same lines as you, Caerid11. In both games against the Rangers they showed on 24/7, the Flyers seemed to perhaps be too emotionally involved in the rivalry. Winning wasn’t enough of a victory.
They had the lead at the time, in the winter classic, and instead of focusing on creating their next goal, just assumed it would come and what they’d do after it to rile up the Rangers and get in their face.
I guess, I just figure G and Jags aren't really defensive players so that happens sometimes.
I’ve seen Richie out of position plenty of times in our zone, doesn’t mean his head isn’t in it. I bet Giroux and those guys are pretty embarrassed after the airing of that episode, but I think what it really is is that Giroux is a 23 year old kid who is having the best season of his career and is a bit of a cocky prick, I just don’t buy that they were so caught up in trying to embarrass us that they lost sight of the game. For all we know they could have been joking.
Well I for one disagree with your disagreement. Instead of talking faceoff strategy or how they were going to actually play hockey they their main concern seemed to be the celebration and who they were going to fight. Thats why they call it ‘getting them off their game’.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jan 6, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
" I found this very interesting, because it seems like the type of discussion we would have had on my squirt team 10 years ago"
Exactly, they made the flyers go from playing and thinking like NHLers, to playing and thinking like a squirt team.
by teknics on Jan 6, 2012 9:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
It didn’t seem like the Flyers played poorly following that. From what I remember, after we took the lead the Flyers seemed to have more chances then we did and control most of the play, with Hank coming up huge on a number of occasions.
Instead of talking faceoff strategy or how they were going to actually play hockey they their main concern seemed to be the celebration and who they were going to fight. Thats why they call it ‘getting them off their game’.
Faceoff strategy? That isn’t something that you see discussed much on the ice because I’m sure they already know exactly what the play if for a faceoff in that situation. Again, I think it was just some guys bullshitting having a little fun amongst themselves during a commercial break. I’m sure at the moment with a lead they were a bit cocky, and again, they looked foolish when the game ended and this episode aired, especially with Rupp scoring the second goal. But do I think the reason they lost was because they were talking about how they would celebrate after they scored, and what would happen if the Rangers started a brawl? I don’t, again, I find it to be an amusing piece of footage, but nothing too serious.
my point about the squirt thing though was that
while watching this program and seeing and hearing things we don’t normally get to, you realize how much stays the same, from the hotels, to the pranks, to the on ice shit talking, and I was saying I could see my line out there talking about how to celebrate on these pricks when we bury the puck, but when the puck drops that your instincts take back over and you play the game how you normally would, in my opinion.
In my opinion, yes it did. They were concentrating too much on doing AA’s Russian riffle celebration and then they were ticked off that Michael Rupp did Jagr’s salute and wanted some revenge.
They lost their composure before Rupp put in his second and the tying goal. Their own fault and they got what they deserved. Our team is a business like team while the Flyers are just immature schoolyard bullies who all they want to do is yap, yap, yap and not play hockey.
F them. They got what they deserved. Losing their second Winter Classic. The only NHL team to lose in two Winter Classic Games.
by NYR #35 Richter on Jan 7, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think it was more of Giroux and van Riemsdyk being funny with their teammates in a lull before a faceoff, they obviously want to score off the face so why not decide on the celebration.. I don’t think the scene had any outcome on their play in the game, I loved Boyle saying “I thought it was cool” to Giroux about Rupp’s salute
Another thing that may have been over looked, is the way B Richards celebrated his goal by jumping into the glass. Looked eerily similar to how Brayden Schenn celebrated. Anyways, who cares. Great look and insight into the game and our team. (Thought Giroux asking HL if he could score was really cool.)
Can we all shout,“Rangers are #1.” At least for now. I think they can keep it up. Especially if we can get some more of the guys to score some clutch goals.
Rangers / Pitt tomorrow. Going to be another good game. Gotta follow it from work though, and no video. My clutch performers tomorrow are AA, Dubi, DZ. LGR!!!!!!
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary
Scott Gomez, the gift that keeps on giving!
Good point w/ the Schenn/Richards celebrations but I dont think either player meant anything by it. In Schenn’s case its his 1st NHL goal on such a big stage, cant blame him for being incredibly excited. & Richards’ goal capped off the comeback and gave his team the lead in a huge game.
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
UH Huh You Know What It Is ZUCCA-RELLO ZUCCA-RELLO
I laughed when, I think giroux, told Schenn “this isn’t world juniors, don’t jump into the glass” in a joking way. I lol-ed
by teknics on Jan 6, 2012 7:55 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Thats what made it funny. If I had ever made it to the NHL, and then scored a goal, I do not think the boards would contain my excitement. (When I was 15, I did score on a pass from an NHL great, on an NHL goalie, but that is not even close.)
PRUSTOSTERONE!!!
"Stepan, step in, step out" Timothy Leary
Scott Gomez, the gift that keeps on giving!
by nathansfamous on Jan 6, 2012 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
how about
the flyers leaving the ice without shaking hands? no class. i noticed it at the classic, but wasn’t sure if it was blatant or not. thanks, 24/7 for showing us how truly classless the flyers could be.
http://kotes.ytmnd.com/
im pretty sure the rangers left without shaking hands.
I heard somebody say “don’t shake their hands, get off the ice” and then a Flyer say, “they’re getting off the ice? Fuck that”. I don’t think it’s a big deal, these are grown men, not peewees and this is a regular season game, no reason the shake hands.
Torts said ‘no shaking hands, get off the ice’. The Flyers were waiting to shake hands.
I am pretty convinced that Hartnell started that crap at the final buzzer to prevent the Rangers from coming on the ice and celebrating. And then you want to shake hands?
Fuck that, its a regular season game. No shaking needed.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jan 6, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t sure what happened with that whole thing. It happened last year too where the Pens walked off without doing the handshake (guessing pissed about the Crosby thing). I was wondering if the NHL wanted it done or it was just a customary thing.
If the NHL required it, I’d be pissed either way (whether we walked off because of that scrum at the end or they did because they lost), but if it’s just a customary thing, then screw it, though I’m sure it’s probably nice to see for the casual fan.
With what Hartnell did, clearly after the buzzer, I wouldn’t shake that teams hand either.
Or shit, line-up, and have every player refuse to shake Hartnell’s hand. What a scumbag.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
I don’t think teams should ever shake hands
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
by Brandon C. on Jan 6, 2012 11:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Great episode
I especially loved the part with Prust referring to the MDZ cheapshot:
“I woulda beat the fuck out of him, but I didn’t want to get suspended for, you know, the Winter Classic”
It also showed exactly how the Flyers are a bunch of classless d-bags. I lost even more respect for them, if it’s even possible. Hartnell deserves to get his ass beat. My buddy wanted to, and I quote, “Rip that beard off his face and shove it down his throat.” What a bum.
I’m really thrilled the Rangers won though. It’s something we can always look back on, no matter how this season ends. Gotta watch out for Philly the rest of the year, they’re gunna be pissed.
I listen to Enter Sandman before taking exams. I wear the exact same jersey every Giants game. The Rangers goal song goes off in my head when I achieve small successes in life.
HEN-RIK
by BombersGmenBlueshirts25 on Jan 6, 2012 3:34 AM EST reply actions
Scotty Hartnell - Sammy Hagar
Separated at birth? C’mon dude, tame that ridiculous mop.
Have another doughnut
Does anyone know what the comment “go rip your team again” is about?
I was not even sure who said it but it came out of comments about MDZ from the flyer when they were getting off the ice.
Aucune clause de Mouvement
by Blueshirt in Paris on Jan 6, 2012 9:31 AM EST reply actions
I think MDZ collided with another ranger in their own zone
by teknics on Jan 6, 2012 9:46 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
The way I understood it was a jab from a Ranger (Del Zotto?) at the Flyers, I thought was “go take out your own teammates again” or something, playing off several injuries the Flyers had – Giroux kneed by Simmonds, Couturier hit by Timmonen’s shot, Simmonds hit by Giroux’s shot. Not sure if the Rangers would have known about the last incident?
That was lost on me, it seemed directed at Hartnell….but I don’t recall any incidents where he said anything bad about his own team?
MDZ's Comment
The comment about “Go rip your team again” was in reference to Hartnell ripping Bryzgalov the day before. When Bryz announced to the world about him not starting the WC, Hartnell took to the media and ripped him a bit. Saying that this was a wake up call to Bryz and what-not … I’m glad MDZ, it was him not Richards, paid attention and threw that back in Hartnell’s face
Anybody surprised how focused on AA Giroux was? Was that all because of the stupid rifle incident? He called him a “piece of shit” and said some other unintelligible stuff. It’s weird because AA is just about the least offensive, mild-mannered guy in the NHL. Maybe Giroux perceived him as weak and tried to break him down.
"To everybody else we're underdogs, but we go in thinking we can handle any team in the NHL."
Brandon Prust, #8, New York Rangers
Giroux matches up with AA, as they are the two first line centers, yes? I assume the players picked players to attack, and Giroux picked Anisimov.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Well, the Rangers usually go RIchards vs. the other teams top line.
But it makes sense that the Flyers were trying to get guys off their games.
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
I think Giroux was just trash-talking trying to get under Artie’s skin or intimidate him which wasn’t working. He also was trying to trash-talk Henrik. I just think for all his talent, and boy is he talented, Giroux is a major trash-talker. That surprised me because before 24/7 and specially last night’s finale I hadn’t realized
If there’s one thing I learned from this show it’s that the Rangers are focused 100% on winning and the Flyers seem to switch between focusing on winning and mind games, appearance, fighting, any of that stuff. Less focused.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Exactly what I said above about that conversation about what goal celebrations they were going to use and who each person was going to fight. if Laviolette sees that shit I’m sure he’ll be pissed.
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