It’s the morning after a 10pm Maple Leafs game (a win! They won a hockey game!), and I’m feeling pretty cranky towards the entire state of California right now. Also, the concept of time zones. I hope the rest of you got more sleep than I did. If you were a responsible adult and went to sleep before the end of the game, Seldo’s got your recap here.

On a more cheerful note, to start your morning off right: according to Google, the Buffalo Sabres have been relegated.

ICYMI

Is James van Riemsdyk so bad defensively that his offence isn’t worth it?
Arvind and Fulemin ask some questions, make some trouble

Women’s Hockey Wednesday: Can USAHockey market Four Nations Cup?
Another step on the road to the Olympics. Plus news and recaps from the pro and college leagues.

Canada aims high with new Olympic jersey design
That old look is gone. With a silver Maple Leaf front and centre, the new design is a big departure, and no one likes new things.

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Devils’ Brian Boyle set to make season debut six weeks after cancer diagnosis | Toronto Star
“It’s been a long road,” the 32-year-old said after the Devils’ morning skate at Rogers Arena. He’s set to make his season debut against the Vancouver Canucks.

Team Canada continues search for hockey talent ahead of February Olympics | Toronto Star
With NHL players unavailable this time round, Hockey Canada has had to start from the beginning in assembling a men’s team.

Carey Price unfazed by stats, glad Canadiens have found scoring touch - The Globe and Mail
Price, who many consider the best goaltender in hockey, has not been anything close to his top form in his first 10 starts

Backes to have surgery, possibly out through December - Stanley Cup of Chowder
Diverticulitis strikes again, putting the big forward on the shelf.

Reports: Parenteau signs in KHL - Article - TSN
According to multiple reports, Parenteau has agreed to spend the remainder of the KHL season with Yekaterinburg Avtomobilist.

The Blashill Rumors Begin, but Now Isn’t the Time for the Red Wings to Fire Their Coach - Winging It In Motown
After the first tough stretch of the season which saw the Detroit Red Wings go winless in six games before the victory at Florida, the Jeff Blashill coaching change rumors have started.

The Leafs have another California game tonight, a 10:30pm start against the LA Kings. I encourage napping this afternoon. Self-care is important, guys.

From The Branches