HBO will film a documentary mini-series this season revolving around the Winter Classic between the Penguins and rival Washington Capitals, according to sources with the Penguins. The series would air throughout December and into January.

It will be similar to the popular "Hard Knocks" series, which has documented the training camps of NFL teams over the past decade. This summer, HBO had full access to the New York Jets.

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.

A news conference to announce the series is expected today. An official from HBO declined comment. Calls and e-mails to the NHL were not returned.

EN Says: The only way this idea could get any better is if this old HBO intro from the 1980s was incorprated into the project:

Update: The Penguins have an official release on their Web site. The show will be part of the "24/7" series which has primarily focused on boxing in the past.