The upcoming "Road to the Winter Classic" series will feature "unprecedented volume in terms of its access and scope," including "salty language because the shows will be uncensored," according to Ed Sherman of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. The first of the four-part series, "chronicling the Blackhawks and Capitals through their outdoor Jan. 1 game at Nationals Park, debuts" Tuesday at 10:00pm ET on Epix. Since the net "isn't offered by several carriers ... the series also will air online on the NHL, Blackhawks and Epix websites to reach a wider audience." That means the "G-rated Blackhawks.nhl.com will air some words not suitable for younger viewers." Part of the popularity of "Road to the Winter Classic" has been "microphones picking up the raw language that occurs during games and practices." Blackhawks President & CEO John McDonough said, "I feel confident in how our players are going to comport themselves. Yet I'd be concerned if anybody tried to over-sanitize these shows. It would take away from the authentic nature of what you're trying to do." The series' Exec Producer, Ross Greenburg, said that the goal is to "find a balance in using profanity." Greenburg: "There is the reality these words do fly out of the mouths of these players. There will be some of that in the series, but we're not going to bang people over the head with it" (
CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/12).
AT YOUR SERVICE: CSN Mid-Atlantic announced it will present comprehensive coverage leading up to and surrounding the Capitals’ appearance in the game, highlighted by a series of special programs, expanded gameday shows, and extensive multiplatform news and analysis. The net's three-part Winter Classic programming series will begin this weekend with the debut of "All Access: 2011 Bridgestone Winter Classic" Saturday at 10:30pm, a look at the Capitals' first appearance in the game, and "Growing Up Hockey" Sunday at 9:00pm. A program covering the logistics of the event, "Building of the Bridgestone Winter Classic," will debut Dec. 21 at 9:00pm. The net will also lead up to event day by presenting a series of daily Winter Classic vignettes. The net on Jan. 1 will present special editions of its signature pregame and postgame shows surrounding the Winter Classic (CSN Mid-Atlantic).
