Ever since I first began watching sports on TV as a kid, I've wished we could get to watch an unexpurgated version of the game without the prissy censorship and phony interview language. Decades later, HBO has come to my rescue. The network will be broadcasting a New Year's outdoor game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. I could could give a crap about either of those teams but I am looking forward to finally hearing actual hockey players communicating, coaches yelling and referees keeping the boys in line. All without censorship.
To show the possibility of real language from real people in real situations, HBO has a teaser show - one of four - travelling with the two teams and plenty of on ice cussing and action. I was surprised first of all that the preview is actually engrossing. More than that, the salty language is laid bare. There are no attempts to clean up or hide the way these guys actually talk to each other. Bruce Boudreau's profanity-laced tirade after a loss is refreshing as is getting to be a fly on the wall in player's dressing rooms and homes.
Congratulations to both teams, the NHL and HBO for allowing us the fans an overdue peak at the inner world of professional sports. Such candor could never happen with the NBA, MLB or NFL.
Nice touch: HBO brings out Maxine Nightingales' "Right Back Where We Started From" from 'Slap Shot'. No mention of Eddie Shore in this documentary, though.
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