24/7 Flyers Rangers: Road to the Winter Classic

The first episode of HBO's documentary 24/7 Flyers, Rangers: Road to the Winter Classic aired tonight and it was excellent. Coach Peter Laviolette and goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov were the stars for the Flyers. Laviolette came off real, starting the show with a great description of his team, "We are not a conservative team, we are a let's giddy up and go type of team." Meanwhile Bryzgalov came off... just interesting, to say the least, as he discussed the earth and universe and tigers in China. Laviolette commented on Bryzgalov, "His personality is a little bit different, but I really enjoy him, he's a funny guy. Today he was telling me about the universe."

"If you see the big picture, our galaxy is so small, like a dot in the universe. And you think we have some problems here on the Earth? What about, compared to like…nothing. Just be happy, don't worry be happy."

The episode also showed a good look at Claude Giroux the day after he sustained his concussion, taking and receiving all sorts of tests. It appeared that the Flyers knew he had a concussion long before they told the public. Jaromir Jagr said about Giroux, "I never thought that at age 39, I would get to play with such a talented player and on the first line. That's what makes me younger again."
While Laviolette said, "I have a theory about Claude, that anyone he plays with, there will be chemistry."
After the game Wayne Simmonds, who kneed Giroux causing his concussion felt terrible. "Obviously G is one of my good buddies, and to have that happen makes you feel bad, right after that I kind of hung my head there a little bit. But he's a tough guy, I know he'll be fine." 

The cameras followed Wayne Simmonds as he played hockey with children in the Ed Snyder Youth Hockey Foundation. On his way there Simmonds spoke about being traded to Philadelphia, "Philly is different than LA, it’s a way better hockey town. I'm pretty happy about being traded here."

Jagr also talked about coming to Philadelphia instead of choosing Pittsburgh, saying, "It would probably be a lot easier if I came back (to Pittsburg), my jersey would hang (in the rafters) one day, but I chose the other way. Sometimes you think your brain knows everything, but you should follow your heart first." Jagr really enjoys his time here in Philadelphia so far, "I never thought I was gonna like it so much, I'm surprised," Jagr said with a smile. "I picked Philly just for the hockey, but so far I like everything about it, even the fans, they're crazy. "

HBO will air 4 total episodes, each airing Wednesday nights at 10 PM.
If you don't have HBO, or missed the episode, you can watch it here...

FULL EPISODE

Now you can find the link and recap to Episode 2...

Here

(I do not own the linked website, video courtesy of eztvstream, thanks to HBO, NHL, the Flyers and Rangers)