When humanity is threatened only the super powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. As the days start to get longer the Maple Leafs start to focus on their true goal. The only thing that can get in their way is themselves.

With savage authority Steven Stamkos slams the Orc War Chief to the ground. The hulking brute splatters as though the Tampa Bay Lightning hero was throwing a melon not a ferocious armoured killer. Another Lightning hero, Nikita Kucherov, has gathered the heads of nearly a dozen other chieftains into a pile nearby. He stops the rolling head of the latest with his foot then kicks it over to the pile.

“I get the next one.” Nikita says.

“But I haven’t had a turn yet.” Tyler Johnson, another Lightning hero, whines.

A wizened old Orc steps out from the mass of warriors. The Orc throng behind him ripples with a sullen shame. A shuffle of feet or a turning of gaze, subtle but relentless.

“There will be no more contests.” The old Orc says. “There are none who can defeat you, and your lieutenants stand ready, unbloodied. We are shamed. We are yours. By the ancient laws that bind us you are our War Chief. Command us, oh lord.”

With that the old Orc drops to a kneeling bow and the entire army of Orcs follows. To the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have been watching the proceedings all day, the outcome seemed inevitable hours ago. All they could do was watch.

Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly and Tyler Ennis just head back to Toronto Maple Leafs tower. John Tavares approaches his old friend.

“I guess you’re the king of the Orcs now?” John says to Steven.

“I know right, how crazy!” Steven is bubbling over with exuberance and John has to make an effort not to be annoyed.

“Congratulations. It really is a pleasure watching you work. I’ll see you soon.” John knows that Steven knows what he is talking about. War is coming and fate might just bring them together on the battle field. It will take an effort of implacable will from both heroes, but both heroes are eager for the chance.