Top 7 Moments from HBO’s 24/7: Road to the Winter Classic

Last week hockey fans got to see the new Road to the Winter Classic on Epix. The popular series HBO’s 24/7: Road to the Winter Classic was not carried by HBO for another season this winter. The Epix debut did not disappoint, but there have been so many good moments hockey fans got to see featured on HBO’s 24/7.  Here are my top rated PG moments of the great show 24/7 that took us inside the lives and daily routines of NHL players and teams on and off the ice.

Maple Leafs
Season 3 of 24/7 Feautured the Maple Leafs and Red Wings (Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

7) Crosby Pre-Game Routine

Very interesting to see how the best hockey player in the world prepares for a game. With Sidney Crosby it is the same routine each home game which includes a precise warm up, stick taping, stretch, sandwich, soccer, and going second to last on the ice. Only Evgeni Malkin takes the ice in Pittsburgh after Sidney Crosby and the reason why is priceless.

6) Artem Anismov Celly Against Tampa Bay

The NY Rangers of 2011-2012 take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. An Artem Anisimov celly that he saw in Russia goes horribly wrong and Tampa Bay takes momentum back in their favor as a result and wins the hockey game. An interesting clip to see the chaos that followed Anisimov’s celly and current Ranger Dom Moore with the shootout winner for Tampa.

5) Mike Babcock: “So What Win A Game”

Seeing the best coach in the NHL show us how he deals with the incredible amount of injuries his team had been going through is very interesting to see. Babcock has his line combinations on a whiteboard and calmly tells us how injuries are part of the game and you have to find a way to win a game regardless.

4) Hockey Players Are The Toughest Athletes

This video proves that hockey players are the toughest athletes in the world. It was pointed out by Dan Bylsma that it might go more noticed in the room if a player does not return to a game after an injury where he can still skate then if he does.

3) Montreal Typical

According to Peter Laviolette, after an apparent trip to Jaromir Jagr went uncalled, the play was “Montreal Typical”. Laviolette is alluding to the referees favoring the hometown Canadiens. The Flyers were not too pleased with the call and the Canadiens quickly scored on their own power play following the previous play.

2) Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak House Tour

Two members of the Toronto Maple Leafs top line are roommates in Toronto. The two are hilarious to see in the locker room and during their house tour. Notice how many times Phil Kessel, American, says the Canadian phrase “eh”. The two then play a little pool and according to Kessel, “When you’re a better player you win two out of three”.

1) NY Rangers Ugly Sweater/Holiday Party

Get into the Christmas spirit with the NY Rangers. Brad Richards hosts an ugly sweater party which turns into a holiday themed party. Ryan Callahan is declared the best dressed player of the night by Brandon Dubinsky, who is dressed as Santa. The most hilarious costume has to go to Brian Boyle who dresses as Buddy The Elf from the popular Christmas Movie “Elf” featuring Will Ferrell. The 6’7 Boyle plays the part very well I must say.