Rangers- Flyers 24/7: Can HBO Repeat the Magic?

Anyone who watched last year's 24/7 knows how compelling the show has the capability of being. However, last year's narrative was highlighted by two rivaled All-Stars in Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, with the Pittsburgh Penguins ascending into the league's top ranks, while Alex Ovechkin's Washington Capitals were plummeting into a fairly lengthy losing streak. Now, however, we have Philadelphia and New York, two teams that are vying for the lead in the Eastern Conference. So where's the conflict going to come from?

Well, the first thing I can tell you, is that Ilya Bryzgalov will be a source of immense entertainment. Considering his epic moments like the famous "Why you heff to be so mad," he should pose some great fodder for HBO's cameras. Even in watching the first episode, you can see how wonderful he will be. His comments on the "the universe," were utter perfection. Still, on the ice HBO might be wanting for content. This can certainly be compensated by some nice exposure on the players' personal lives and processes. Still, it might become a point for concern. So far, the first episode is solid enough. Yet there seems to be something very formulaic about it, as though they're trying to emulate what worked last year down to the T. Still, there's a half hour to go in the first episode, so here's to some quality insight into the world of hockey. Enjoy the series, guys!