Fenway's Winter Classic Draws Rave Reviews

Yes, NHL execs have a bit of a swagger after New Year's Day ushers in yet another successful Winter Classic. The third edition of the league's annual outdoor game draws glowing reviews, as a sellout Fenway Park crowd of 38,112 provides a "party mood" for the Bruins' 2-1 OT thriller. The scene is called "perfection" for the NHL, and the BOSTON GLOBE's Dan Shaughnessy writes the game supplies "one of the most magical afternoons in the history" of the ballpark. While the game's 2.6 rating on NBC is down slightly from last year, the event has quickly become "one of the year's most entertaining sporting events." So the focus now turns to '11, with a tentative plan to hold two outdoor games, including one in Canada. The NHL for the first time is accepting bids to host next year's Classic, and there is no shortage of cities looking to land the event in the U.S. Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, even Cowboys Stadium, are being mentioned as possible locales.

A Real Give And Take
NFL labor talks continue this week amid reports owners are asking players to give back about 18% of compensation they receive under the current CBA.

Quit Playing Games With My Heart
Goodell said to be “angry” for fans that teams are sitting stars, but would they rather see players like Wes Welker healthy for playoffs?

I Can See The Light
Less than 9% of NFL games blacked out locally this year, a far cry from predictions of up to 20%.

We're Live And On The Air
Speculation centers on what is next after News Corp., Time Warner agree to a new contract -- don’t overlook John Kerry’s call for a closer look at retrans consent.

Another Dropped Call
AT&T the latest company to cut ties with Tiger; who could be the next sponsor to depart? 

Finalists For The Flame 
USOC expected to name new CEO next week after narrowing candidates to Wielgus, Blackmun.

One Last Hurrah Before Spring Semester
As college bowl season winds down, Gator, Sun, Texas among games posting record attendance figures.