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. Of all the changes, none has been more impactful than the addition of a squadron based tactical deployment that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas designed to keep the peace on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Horse squad: wingers.

Ever since the devastating news of Henrik Zetterberg’s retirement the city of Detroit has been on edge. Today the worst has finally happened. The Imp Kingdom has sent an army to steal Detroit’s Great Orb of Binding and the Red Wings are overwhelmed.

Dylan Larkin has killed dozens of the beasts with his twin katanas but dozens more race to surround the Red Wing. Anthony Mantha smashes imps into pulp two or three at a time with his fists which enlarge and harden as tough as diamonds, but no matter how quickly he moves there are always more to squash.

A terrible roar fills the street. Imps and Red Wings both stop fighting to look up. A werewolf in blue shorts lands amidst the imps and in the moment of stunned silence that follows the monster bites one of the imps in half. Immediately the werewolf spits the imps meat out and wipes his tongue furiously. The imp soldiers regroup quickly and pounce on the werewolf, at least that was their plan. He catches four of the little imps on one arm and smashes them against a wall leaving a large green smear. With his other hand he slashes with his claws, eviscerating several more of the terrified little warriors.

The Red Wings take advantage of the unlooked for help immediately. Lashing out at the imps, who have moved to attack the werewolf. The stream of imps continues, but a caution has begun to creep into their tactics. Heavy wooden shields, heavy for imps, are brought forward and long spears behind them. Dylan, Anthony and the werewolf are slowly corralled until they are surrounded. Things might have gone ill for the three except Mitch Marner walks into the fray.

The young Toronto Maple Leaf star wears his usual grin as he casually rips the spear from an imps hands and stabs him with it. Mitch splits in two and then each of those Mitches split in two. The four Mitches each kill another imp before splitting again. The pressure holding the impish shield wall in place slackens and the werewolf leaps on the opportunity. He rips into the imps, heedless of the spears that stab into him.

There are dozens of Mitches now and more are made every second. The two Red Wings join in and suddenly the imps are falling back. Almost a hundred Mitches run after them but one stays back and approaches the werewolf. Anthony and Dylan take a step back as Mitch pulls a broken spear head out of the werewolf’s side. Instead of lashing out the monster growls at the Leaf.

“No problem Patty.” Mitch smiles. “I can’t believe you ate one.”

The werewolf roars back.

“Of course I’m telling the guys. How could I not.” Mitch turns to the Red Wings. “Can you believe this guy? Everybody whole?”

“Yup.” Dylan answers while Anthony nods. “Who is that?”

“Pat Marleau.” Mitch answers with a grin. “Hold on.” The Leaf holds a hand to his ear for a moment. “Pat, we gotta move South, that’s where they are making their last stand.” He turns to the Red Wings. “You guys wanna come?”

Of course they do. As they run Dylan can’t help but gawk at Patrick, who is very impressive when he wolfs out. Anthony questions Mitch, who splits so that one Mitch can talk while the other leads the way.

“Thanks for the save” Anthony says. “Are you two alone out here?”

“No.” Mitch answers. “The defense has spread out and engaged the army all around it’s perimeter and I think a couple of our goalies are helping yours with some magical something, I’m not sure what. We were sent to support any of you we could find. Are any more of your guys out here?”

“No.” Anthony says grimly. “The people of the city are our greatest priority. The team is protecting the civilians at the arena. Me and Dylan were making a last sweep for any stragglers when they caught us. We wouldn’t have made it without you. But how come there are only two of you?”

“There’s supposed to be more.” Mitch finally stops smiling. “But Zach is hurting and Wily isn’t allowed to play yet, so we’re left to just do what we can”

“Yeah, but why don’t you fill the spots?” Anthony asks. “I’m sure you have loads of guys that would love to roll with you.”

“Maybe.” Mitch shrugs. “I guess coach thinks we’re strong enough.”