If you missed it, the Leafs won in an afternoon game yesterday:

Leafs hold a one-goal lead through the third
Not the most exciting or inspiring game ever played in the afternoon. But it had a weird finish.
PPP LeafsCathy Squires

At the WJC, Finland won their game and so they had to await the Canada - USA game to find out if they were second or third. Third place in Group A gets you Czechia in the quarterfinals.

Canada fell to the USA in a game no one will remember fondly outside America. Easton Cowan took a boarding call in the third, and USA scored to make it 3-1 and end Canada's hopes.

Sweden defeated Czechia to take the top spot in Group B. Czechia is second, and Switzerland beat Kazakhstan to force them into the relegation game and to get into the Quarterfinal against USA with that as their only win.

The tournament is dark today with quarterfinals on Thursday.

The first player to play their 1,000th game outdoors:

Shockingly, St. Louis stomped all over Chicago in this game, winning 6-2. Nothing like showing off the game to new fans by having them understand the multi-year tank.

Is retreating from New Year’s Day the right move for the Winter Classic?
The NHL Winter Classic has moved away from New Year’s Day for the first time, taking place on New Year’s Eve instead. Is it the right move?
Sports Media WatchJon Lewis

Happy New Year, everyone!

From The Branches