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 Gorgon squad: Management.

Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella is eager to see his rival Mike Babcock. After two head to head contests the coaches each have a victory. John plans on taking the rubber match and to that end he has a surprise ready.

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs is having a great day. His city is safe and his team is well positioned for the grind that is coming. The middle of the season is where the real heroes start to prove themselves. Bodies wear down and wills begin to fade, but Mike is confident that his team is still getting stronger. Mike’s faith will be challenged and it’s the anticipation of this challenge that puts the extra pep in his step.

John is immediately jealous of his peer. He can’t help himself, John is jealous of anyone who seems happier than him which is just about everybody. Hopefully his surprise should take some of the wind out of Mike’s sails.

“Hey there, Mike.” John lays on the charm real thick. “Ready for round three? Winner take all.”

Mike can’t help but notice that John is gloating as if he already won. Assuming some sort of trick, Mike practices his patience.

“Have a seat Mike.” John shows Mike to a large comfy sofa. A hundred and two inch television hangs on the wall in front of it. “I thought we could play something a little different today.”

“No checkers?” Mike asks.

“Not this time.” John grins. “Take this.” John hands Mike a PlayStation controller

“I don’t really play many video games John.” Mike says taking the controller.

“Well  that’s a real pity.” John doesn’t mean it. “Too bad it’s my house, so it’s my game, and I’m sick of checkers.”

“So what are we playing?” Mike asks.

“I feel it’s a Fortnite sort of a night. Get ready to get wrecked.”

“Nope.” Mike says with a smile.

“What do you mean no?” John demands. “My house, my game. You have to play, that’s the rules.”

“Nope.” Mike smiles again.

“So I win?” John asks.

“If that’s what you want to call it, sure. Congratulations.” Mike stands up to leave.

“Hold on.” John says after a moment. “I don’t want to win, I want to beat you. Tell me why you don’t want to play Fortnite.”

“It’s pretty simple.” Mike says. “I don’t like any game where the challenge is in overcoming a twelve year old with enough time on their hands to memorize every map. I like real video games, the kind that give you everything you need to win and then push you to your limits. I’ve been playing the second Vermintide lately. Now that games is some work, never played anything that wanted to kill me so much. I’ve got my skills pretty sharp and I won’t blunt them playing anything else, especially not a glorified, cash grabbing, fashion show. So should I get my checkers board?”

John doesn’t answer for a while. He weighs the relative values of resistance to any of Mike’s assertions. In the end, after a somewhat uncomfortable silence, John settles on sullen resignation.

“Sure, go get your checkers board. I don’t care what game I beat you at.” John flops down heavily on the sofa.

Mike stares at John for nearly a minute, then turns to leave.

“On second thought.” Mike says over his shoulder. “I don’t really feel like playing any more games today. See you later coach.”

“So I win?” John asks.

“Do you really think so?” Mike stops but doesn’t turn around.

“Bite me.” John finally answers, knowing the truth.