HBO 24/7 Red Wings Vs. Maple Leafs Will Happen, Even If It Doesn't

HBO Sports' 24/7: Road To The Winter Classic series has been wildly popular since its inception two years ago, and it's at the point where the series actually might be more of a spectacle than the actual game itself. I know that I've enjoyed the four-episode series more than I've enjoyed the two Winter Classic games that accompanied it, and I attended one of those games.

It's worrisome, then, to know that the NHL has yet to sign a deal with HBO for the next installment of the series. Both HBO and the league seem happy with the relationship, so it's certainly possible that a deal is reached yet again, but the thought of the Winter Classic without HBO following the two participants around for a month is a little sad.

But, never fear. Even if the series doesn't happen next year, it's still going to happen.

HBO and NHL still haven't officially agreed to do another 24/7. Talks on the horizon. If not HBO, league still plans all-access WC doc.

— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) February 9, 2012

I doubt an NHL-produced series would be as strong as an HBO-produced series, but the league did hire Ross Greenburg, the former president of HBO Sports, to lead an NFL Films-like wing of the league called NHL Original Productions. So, who knows? Might not be so bad after all.