HBO 24/7 is everything we were promised and more in my opinion. The inside look at two professional sports teams during the midst of their regular seasons was fascinating to me. The personalities of the players off the ice made for an interesting study, as well as some of the inner workings of the respective clubs and coaching staffs. To be fair, the first segment of the series chronicled the Penguins at the highpoint of their season, and the Caps at probably, but hopefully not, one of the lowest points in several years. This MAY account for some of the differences in attitude, demeanor and general behavior, we will see in segment two as it will chronicle the Pens after losing two divisional games on back to back nights. I suspect however that, generally speaking you are seeing why a team so loaded with talent has underachieved historically during the heat of the playoffs. I truly believe that one of the main reasons this current team has underachieved when it matters most is the fat little butterball behind the bench. I have stated to some friends and readers that if you watch Boudreau over react to any sort of adversity, you can see it translate to the team. His stable of talented forwards during the regular season can pump in goals at an alarming rate, but when the playoffs come, defenses tighten, opposing defenses try to maim you, or throw any part of their bodies in front of any shot you have to have the composure to work through that, and adjust your game accordingly. You cannot panic, when your gameplan is not working, or the opposing team takes a two goal lead. Go back and watch playoff tape of the Caps, and watch that fat little dumpling implode at any sign of adverstiy. Watch his profanity laced tirades that pretty much say nothing but we should do better right now, and watch the glazed over look in the eyes of the players. The tension that starts with the whining of Leonsis, is supported by McPhee, and is hammered home by Boudreau and Evason is palpable. And it creates a suffocating pressure that translates into the tight play of the players. Add to that the lack of true leadership that core players such as Mike Green and Alexander Semin bring to the dance, and you can see how when the stakes get high, this team has wilted under pressure. If I am the Caps I fire Boudreau and Evason, bring in a younger more cerebral coach and then I trade Mike Green and Alex Semin for some guys with a bit less talent maybe, but a lot more character. Both would bring handsome returns for the right team who already has character guys but needs a touch more skill.........Hey, Green has been the highest scoring defenseman in the league for the past three years, and was not really even close to making Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics. That speaks volumes about what others think of the kids overall value.
Some random thoughts-The Caps obsession with the Pens is both sad and counterproductive, They make reference to the Pens 4 times in this segment, the Pens mention the Caps, uh, never.
Ovechkin in his banana hammock, double tramp stamp, and diamond encrusted 8 necklace was interesting if nauseating. A pretty self absorbed, me guy if you ask me.
Ovechkin responding to a referees explanation of a cross check opening a huge gash on an opponents face leading to the ejection of Semin with, "Maybe he has sensitive skin" was funny as shit!
Boudreau being interviewed with barbeque all over his face was priceless, particularly on the heels of the footage of him in his red Craps PJ's and a stomach that looked like he swallowed the Kettler Center!
Mike Green on the trainers table looking like he might cry over his MCL sprain did not make me gain respect for the guy.
The prank with the furniture of Lovejoy and Connor being put in the hallway was priceless, and more so when Lovejoy says we will find out who did this and do nothing about it!
Duper saying hi to everyone, but Fuck you Geno made me roll.
Letang telling Engelland to fight somebody tough next time after his bout with Orr was a classic as was Fleury telling the cameras that Max is a douche in obvious reference to Talbot calling Ovie a douche this summer.
Loved the game by game scoring sheet the Pens use on each player, and that scene was priceless to me;
Hey, the truest words spoken on the first run was that teams are rarely as bad as they look when they are down, nor as good as they look when they are on a win streak, but either way this is must watch TV for any sport fan, and especially a puckhead. My only criticism at this point would be that the footage they are showing does not adequately showcase the brutality and sheer speed and athleticism of the game. They need to show case this more, as I cannot see how a fan of any sport that loves speed, contact, and sheer will could not come away loving hockey.
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