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.

A continent sized meteor streaks toward Earth aimed directly at Toronto Maple Leaf tower. When the meteor hits it will shatter the planet to smithereens. Luckily for everyone the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t going to let that happen. A squad of Leafs rides their rocket horses out past the atmosphere toward the hurtling rock of death. They circle the meteor scouring the surface for any cracks or holes that might allow them to reach the center.

“Over there.” Mitch Marner points to a small cave in the side of a hill.

“As good a spot as any” Patrick Marleau agrees.

The  robotic horses land with a clatter of hooves. The Leafs dismount and Kasperi Kapenen scouts out the cave with his super speed.

“It’s deep.” Kasperi says when he gets back half a second later. “I didn’t go too far, just enough to see that there is a path leading down.”

“A path?” Zach Hyman asks. “That seems like an odd thing to find on a meteor.”

Kasperi shrugs by way of explanation. The Leafs head in to the cave to find that the path is more like a road.

“This is not natural.” Zach states the obvious.

Patrick veers halfway to a werewolf and sniffs the rock. “Freshly cut.” He snarls.

With an increased sense of caution the Leafs make their way down the surprise road. Soon they hear the unmistakable sound of voices, interrupted occasionally by an explosive burst of energy.

Mitch splits into six Mitches. Patrick completes his change to total werewolf. Zach keeps his axe held low and ready. Kasperi fights the urge to zip ahead in the hopes of keeping the element of surprise. After descending nearly three kilometers the Leafs finally catch their quarry.

St Louis Blues heroes Tyler Bozak, and Alex Pietrangelo stand beside a large rectangular device at the end of the tunnel. As the Leafs approach the device unleashes a blast of energy which vaporizes the wall of rock in front of them. The Blues push the device forward about five feet until it is nearly touching the still steaming tunnel end. Alex presses a button on the side and the device begins to glow and hum.

“That’s awesome” Mitch says, reverting to a singularity. “What’s it doing?” Mitch walks towards the Blues slowly, palms out to show he means no harm. The rest of Horse squad follows him. The Blues turn in surprise but relax immediately when they see the Leafs. Alex whispers something to Tyler who chuckles as he moves to greet his former teammates.

“Hey guys, how’s it goin?” Tyler holds out his hand for a shake.

“Nope.” Mitch says. He pushes Tyler’s hand out of the way and wraps him in a hug. He splits into three more Mitches who surround Tyler and embrace him. “We miss you buddy.” The Mitches say.

“Good to see you again.” Patrick shakes Tyler’s hand once the Mitches let him go. “What’s the plan here?”

“Pretty simple really.” Tyler says. “Once we reach the center of the meteor we detonate the device. The meteor is vaporised and everyone can go to sleep happy.”

“Sounds like you guys are in control here.” Zach says. “Ummmm, you need any help?”

Tyler looks back to where Alex waits for the device to fire. The Blues captain looks bored but doesn’t appear otherwise bothered by the intrusion.

Tyler shakes his head. “Sorry guys, I don’t think so.”

“Come on.” Kasperi pleads. “For old times sake.”

“No. I don’t think so.” Tyler repeats his answer, determination growing with every word. “I’m with the Blues now. I can’t look backwards. It was great to see you but I’m here to do a job.”      

“We understand.” Patrick says. “Let’s go guys.”

The Leafs turn and head back up the tunnel. Mitch takes a last look but Tyler is busy pushing the device. They do not speak as they return to the meteors surface. Reaching their rocket horses the Leafs mount up silently and ride back toward Earth. A strange melancholy has afflicted the squad and it only deepens as they return to their home planet.

As they enter the upper atmosphere the meteor explodes into tiny fragments behind them. The planet is saved, the day is won, The Leafs didn’t even need to bother showing up.