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ICE…mind blowing ratings have been recorded in Canada for the Olympic final. Over 80% of Canadians watched at least a portion of the game, with the final rating tallying 16.6 million delighted souls. As a country, we really made the most of it, with seemingly everyone making some effort to make the day special. I can’t think of another event that could garner so much attention. I have to thank Len, Maria and Andre for working so hard at The Rail to make the day memorable. It was fantastic to have the company of The Beat Poet, Ginner and Goose, it all contributed to a day that will linger in our memories long after we’re sitting in adult diapers (yeah, probably not the poetic image you were hoping for)…so, how you feeling’ about a Carolina Hurricane - Toronto Maple Leaf showdown at the ACC tonight? I’m still, like most Canadians, basking in the incredible glow that was Vancouver 2010 and I’m just not ready to face a night with Primeau and Ponikarovsky. The trade deadline tomorrow might allow us to refocus and get that NHL vibe back, but for now I’m still replaying Crosby’s overtime classic…Rob Longley told an interesting story on The Fan on Sunday. At this time last year, the Pittsburgh Penguins were out of the playoffs and being offered at 75-1 to win the Stanley Cup. Longley took a shot on the sputtering Pens on the basis of their trip to the final the previous year and, of course, because of the presence of Crosby and Evengi Malkin. The veteran Toronto Sun scribe recalls the resulting windfall as his greatest betting coup. When asked for a longshot this year, he offered the Boston Bruins as a team flying beneath the radar and available at overlaid odds. Off the Olympics, I’d be willing to give Ryan Getzlaf and his Ducks a long look…the Vancouver Canucks will start Andrew Raycroft in goal tonight. Roberto Luongo is being allowed an extra bit of rest…the unfortunately named Grant Clitsome has been called up from the AHL by the Columbus Blue Jackets…New York Islander Rick DiPietro is injured again, this time with swelling on his surgically repaired left knee. The brilliant young goalie is rapidly becoming his generations Wendel Clark; a player constantly in a state of convalescence…an embarrassed Martin Brodeur is likely a very dangerous Martin Brodeur. The New Jersey Devil netminder can be expected to be sporting a chip on his shoulder after being pulled from the Canadian nets after a shaky performance against the Americans. He never saw the ice again….

GRID IRON…like a bolt out of the blue, the Washington Redskins have stepped up with a 100 million dollar offer for ex Carolina Panther Julius Peppers. The Skins will have a defence boasting two eight figure lineman with Albert Haynesworth already on board. This is a very interesting development for a squad already one of the League’s best. The culture of sturdy and imposing play on D in Washington will hopefully inspire Peppers to play with the required intensity…the Skins are also expected to pursue Darren Sproles, ex of the San Diego Chargers…unless an agreement is reached by the end of this week, the NFL will be uncapped in 2010, thus the reason for the wealthy Skins going on a spending spree. The bad news for fans is that the next step after an uncapped year is a lockout…seven time Pro Bowler Orlando Pace has been released by the Chicago Bears. Pace’s days as a starter are likely over after some desultory play while starting 11 games for the Bears…

PONIES…unbelievable story out of California has Frank Stronach now stating he will not change the controversial Pro Ride surface at Santa Anita. Stronach currently has no runners at the track because he dislikes Pro Ride. But he said he will not spend any more money until he receives assurances he can open Santa Anita anytime he likes, including having the option of running against Del Mar and Hollywood. Horsemen were understandably stunned by the twist. Trainer Bruce Headly moaned there will be no horses left in California by the time Stronach gets the matter sorted…Presious Passion, fresh off a win at Gulfstream on Sunday, will run in the Dubai Sheema Classic in his next outing. Presious gives European horses fits due to his unorthodox style, flying off to huge leads and then battling hard in the stretch. He was second in the Breeders’ Cup turf, just missing against defending champ Conduit…

PUG LIFE…Evander Holyfield, an old and weary 47, has been granted a license to fight in Nevada. This will lead, the story goes, to a fight on April 17^th with the remnants of Frans Botha. The heavyweight division is so abysmal these days I can see a nostalgic core revisiting the “Real Deal” if only to remember the glory days. It’s a free country, brother, and you’re entitled to do what you please with your money…how stringent are the licensing requirements? Holyfield slurs and has been accused of long term steroid abuse. But he can waltz through the Nevada tests? This does not portend well for those hoping Roy Jones Jr can ever be stopped by a boxing commission. Only fans keeping their wallets closed will stop these geriatric warriors…Holyfield last fought in Nevada in 2003, when he was stopped by James Toney…

RANDOM…Salon writer and madwoman Camille Paglia has gone on hiatus. One of my favourite writers, it was tough enough getting her opinions only once a month. The good news is that the unrepentant lover of classic literature (and Madonna) is taking the time off to write a companion to her brilliant work on poetry, “Break, Blow, Burn”…best thing about Tuesdays? Lynn Crosbie’s column in the Globe and Mail…I was surprised and disappointed to hear rumours of Bryan Colangelo’s impending departure from the Toronto Raptors persist. Colangelo is reportedly keen on the “Brooklyn” Nets (currently in New Jersey) General Manager position. How will Dino fans feel if the GM leaves around the same time Chris Bosh departs? If Bosh ends up in Brooklyn, was there not a clear conflict of interest? There are interesting times right around the corner in Raptor Land…