When humanity is threatened only the super powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. The  Leafs have undergone a major overhaul this year. Probably the most significant change is the squadron based tactics that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas have decided to deploy on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Otter Squadron: the centers.

John Tavares attacks from the West, Auston Matthews from the East. Nazem Kadri attacks from everywhere there are shadows. Freddy “The Goat” Gauthier waits in reserve in case the rest of Otter squad needs any help. He is shopping for hats. There is zero chance that the rest of the squad will call for backup. They never do.

They are fighting off a small army of insectoid-alien-but from deep within the earth-monsters which erupted from the subway tunnels at Yonge and Eglington. Auston fights with pure bright light infusing his every movement. He wields a short sword, slicing through his foes with a terrifying effect. His strength and speed are astonishing. Suddenly two of the beasts surprise him and try to grapple him to the ground. A blinding flash explodes from the young Leaf and all the monsters within fifteen feet of him are nothing but ash. The monsters flee the Leaf.

John walks casually through the monsters, utterly destroying any that come within reach. He emits a zone of cold so deeply chilling that any monster that gets near is completely frozen solid. He idly swings a quarterstaff tipped with iron in wide sweeping arcs, leaving a trail of thawing shattered carapace behind him. The monsters flee the Leaf.

The dark of the subway tunnels creates endless opportunities for Nazem. His ability to pass in between the shadows almost makes the fight too easy. He watches his teammates battling and picks off any of the monsters that make for the surface with his twin Toronto Maple Leaf fully automatic Desert Eagle 4.0’s. A pile of monster corpses covers the platform near the escalators. The monsters have nowhere to run, They flee the darkness.

A stream of hideous monstrosities flows back down through the tunnels from whence it came. Auston and John meet at the tunnel openings. They stare at each other, two apex predators eying the same shade wondering if it’s worth fighting over. They have spared before. Auston’s light counters John’s cold, John is strong and fast, Auston fast and strong. There has not been a winner yet.

Before their contest can ensue Naz steps out of the shadows and stands between them.

“Guys, let’s see what’s down that hole yeah?” Naz’ broad smile is infectious.

He looks at the two and they both smile back and agree. As they take a step down into the tunnels the shadows begins to take human shape. Hayley Wickenheiser walks calmly up from the depths. Her hair gleams golden in the glow of Auston’s light, her Toronto Maple Leafs tracksuit is immaculate, except that her right fist is black with monster blood. She walks as one burdened by some deep sadness but forces a smile as she sees Otter squad.

“Good work guys.” She says, walking past the squad without a second glance. “They won’t be coming back. I’d like you to seal those holes please.”

“Yes, sensei.” The three respond in unison.