The constant presence of behind-the-scenes cameras filming HBO’s “24/7” series in the lead-up to the Jan. 2 Winter Classic is "a pain" to NHL Rangers coach John Tortorella, according to John Jeansonne of NEWSDAY. Tortorella said, "There's no question; I can't stand it. But it doesn't affect my coaching. ... I just don't want people in our locker room. But I know we have to do it." Jeansonne notes as part of participating in the Winter Classic, teams are “required by the league to sign on to the HBO project.” Tortorella acknowledged most of the time "you don't even notice" the presence of the cameras (NEWSDAY, 12/13). In N.Y., Christopher Botta writes the four-episode series “is good for the brand of the Rangers, the Flyers and the NHL.” Rangers F Ryan Callahan said, “All the cameras take a while to get used to. But there isn’t a guy in the league who didn’t watch the show last year. I’m sure most players don’t just want to be in the Winter Classic, but also be part of ‘24/7.’” Camera crews have been following the teams full time since Dec. 5, and the players and coaches “will not know what made the first 60-minute program until it is shown” tomorrow night. Tortorella on Sunday said that he “may wish the teams had final say,” but they do not. Private medical evaluations, like “the concussion tests that Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger had recently, are off limits.” Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said, “I don’t think HBO is focused on X’s and O’s, and they’re not out to embarrass anyone. If something really bad happens, we’ll ask for consideration” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/13). On Long Island, Neil Best notes the Flyers and Rangers “have not tried to censor content.” HBO producer Scott Boggins said, "There aren't any ground rules." He added, "We haven't observed any of these guys playing to the camera, not at all. They're focused on one job and one job only" (NEWSDAY, 12/13).
