THE CAMERAS already have started rolling for HBO's 24/7 "Flyers/Rangers Road to the Winter Classic," and the Flyers already have started asking new teammate Max Talbot for advice.
Talbot, who signed as a free agent on July 1, was one of the stars of last winter's hit reality show as HBO goes behind the scenes to document the lead-up to hockey's only outdoor game of the season. He played for the Penguins in the Dec. 31 Winter Classic against Washington at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field.
The innovative miniseries, which has captured 14 sports Emmy Awards, will debut in prime time on Dec. 14 at 10 o'clock.
"It will be weird getting used to having cameras around all the time," defenseman Matt Carle said. "Talbot has a lot of insight in what to expect from those guys.
"I've joked around with my buddies in the summertime that I'd have to change my personality drastically to get noticed on the show."
Cameras will follow the Flyers and Rangers as they prepare for the Winter Classic, cutting all of their monthlong footage - which includes time on the road, at practice and even at home with the players, coaches and their families - down to four episodes, which will appear Dec. 14, Dec. 21, Dec. 28 with a finale on Jan. 4.
The 24/7 series, from executive producer Rick Bernstein, is the most honored sports series over the past 4 years.
They won't be short on personality this year, with Chris Pronger likely dueling with Scott Hartnell or Rangers coach John Tortorella for face time.
"It's a great lead-up to the game, a great way to promote the sport," Pronger said. "I guess I've got to show 'em something new. I'll have to bring out my 'A' game."
