Looking to build on the success of Hard Knock’s, HBO will be bringing their cameras and mic’s to the ice.  The Caps and Penguins will be the focus for this series leading up to the 2011 Winter Classic.  I’m actually pumped for this…  If there is one sport besides midget wrestling that could top the NFL version, Hockey would be it.

“Much like “Hard Knocks,” this NHL series will have players wearing microphones on and off the ice and would offer an uncensored look at the Penguins and Capitals leading up to the New Year’s Day game. A game between the Penguins and Capitals Dec. 23 in Washington is expected to be one of the main focuses.

Rorabaugh said a formal announcement from the NHL could arrive on Thursday; perhaps not coincidentally, Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL COO John Collins have a conference call scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday “to discuss a special announcement.”