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 Otter squad, the centers.

Nazem Kadri steps out of the shadows with his guns blazing. The skeleton trying to strangle Jon Tavares is blown to pieces.

“Come on.” Naz says, stepping back into the shadows. Jon follows without hesitation. The Toronto Maple Leafs step out into the Cedarvale Ravine. “We fought against the undead all last year. I don’t think these ones are the same though. Hard to say, skeletons all kind of look alike.”

Jon doesn’t answer because Naz has brought them under a bridge where a great mob of skeletons has gathered. Jon’s cold effects does little more then slow the undead slightly, making it a grind to wade through the host with his iron tipped quarter staff. Naz uses the shadows and his pistols to take out skellies five at a time.

Out of nowhere hundreds of ghastly hands grab the legs of the skeletons and begin to pull them down into the ground. The Leafs are surprised as two Montreal Canadiens walk towards the melee. Jon smiles to see his old National teammate Carey Price weaving his dark magic. The skinny baby faced teen who walks beside him is not familiar.

“Thought I would come and save your butts.” Carey grins as his spell locks into place.

‘“Hey buddy, you almost look like your old self.” Jon fires back.

The ground shakes and Carey feels his spell begin to unravel. “Uh oh, You guys better get ready.”

A blast rocks the Leafs and the Canadiens off their feet. Released from the wizards spell the skeletons renew their attack. Jon and Naz get back to their feet and stand between the mob and Carey. The baby faced teen is nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s your friend?” Naz asks Carey. “I guess we have to protect you now, while you do some crazy magic”

“Don’t worry about Jay Kay, he’s around.” Carey points to where some skeletons struggle against the air.

“The kids invisible.” Nazem explains to himself.

The ground shakes again.

“Worry about that.” Carey says.

A giant skeletal hand reaches out of the ground, grasping wildly. A second hand follows struggling to widen the gap. The skeletons double their assault. The fighting is fierce. Carey is fighting his own struggle as some unseen will strives against his magic. Carey is a master of the death magic, yet his magic will not find shape in his thoughts. He knows if he doesn’t come up with something soon they all might be in big trouble. Or at least he thinks so.

Auston Matthews slams down to earth in the midst of the skeletons, close to where the dome of a giant head has begun to wriggle up.

“I’m all done with the ones downtown.” Auston looks around feigning confusion. “You guys haven’t finished with yours yet?” A brilliant light flares out from the Leaf terrifying the skeletons and burning them. Auston does more damage with his sword then with his super powers, preferring to work his mind and body. With his help the skeleton mob is soon reduced to a pile of broken bones. All except the giant, which has finally pulled itself free.

The monster stands twenty feet tall. Long canines protrude from its lower jaw. It bellows at them silently, having no throat wherein to make sound, and raises a rusty old sword.

“I got this.” Carey says. He steps toward the creature and a red fire reaches out from him. A green fire, from the cracked jewel in the hilt of the giants sword, meets the red fire and holds it. The giant takes a step forward, Carey is forced back. “I don’t got this!”

“It’s okay. I’m here.” A new voice says from behind the wizard. Hayley Wickenhieser walks up to the giant. “End your spell.” She says. Carey releases his magic.

The giant swings its sword in an overhead chop. Hayley jumps up and ever so slightly to her left. The sword comes within an inch of her before slamming into the ground. The living legend lands on the blade running. She clears the rusty length in three strides and  leaps at the giants head. She spins to the left in the air and loads up her right fist. When that fist connects with the giants head a sound like a house falling down echoes through the ravine. Hayley lands lightly on her feet and turns away from the giant.

The monster lets go of its sword and takes a step back. Its head and upper torso crumble into dust. The waist and legs stay standing as Hayley approaches the heroes.

“Who is that?” The baby faced teen whispers to Naz.

The Leaf slaps him on the the head and hisses at him for silence.

“You should be able to use your magic now.” Hayley says to Carey. “Maybe you can clean this mess up?” It is not a question.

“Of course I will.” Carey answers, eager to please even though Haley has already moved passed him.

“Who could have sent skeletons after us?” She asks Otter squad. “Dracula again?”

“I don’t think these are the same skeletons we fought last year, sensei.” Naz says.

“Neither does Kyle.” Hayley answers. “Lets Go Leafs Go back to the tower. We need to figure out who disturbed these creatures rest.”

“What I want to know is how you all think there’s a difference between them.” Auston declares. “All skeletons look alike.”