The great news is that this is the only time all year that we have to do this, and we’ve already gotten the western States roadtrip out of the way! Just repeat that to yourself all week as you fight not to fall asleep at work. It won’t make you any more awake, but it might make you feel a bit better to be reminded of the temporality of your present condition!

Or you could just not watch the games I guess, but that seems pretty unrealistic to me.

ICYMI

What is the holiday roster freeze? And, more importantly, how does it affect the Leafs?

How the Holiday Roster Freeze affects the Leafs

And, of course, ‘tis the season (for all of us to get incredibly invested in world juniors):

Nick Robertson going to the USA world junior camp

From around the net

Speaking of world juniors, Raw Charge took a look at whether or not previous U-18 tournament performance can be taken as a predictor of future success:

Can an age group’s finishes at past U-18 tournaments predict World Juniors results?

Maple Leafs Hot Stove has (among other things) a look at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff odds:

Toronto Maple Leafs Notebook: Sizing up their playoff odds

The Blackhawks are potentially going to be playing in the 2021 Winter Classic. Wow. Gasp. Shock.

Blackhawks ‘in the mix’ to play Wild in 2021 Winter Classic, per report

And that’s about it!

It’s been a quiet start to the week. Please enjoy this video of the Leafs failing to stack apples.

From The Branches