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. Probably the most significant change is the squadron based tactics that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas have decided to deploy on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Horse and Oyster squads: the wingers.

The streets of Chicago are among the safest in all the world. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks are two of the most powerful heroes of all time. But even they are not perfect. All the pizza in Chicago has gone insane. The Blackhawks are nearly overwhelmed even with Pat’s concussive energy blasts and John’s laser eye beams. You may not think that a rampaging pizza is a serious threat but thousands of mouth blistering, deep dished maniacs, hurling hot sausages and smothering you in piles of steaming dough is no laughing matter. Did you know that one out of every two pizza related injuries is a burn.

Cheese bubbles burst against Johns skin as a medium pepperoni catches him off guard. He blasts it off his face before it can force itself down his throat but his lips are blistered badly. Pat blasts the pizzas away from his friend and captain. Running to John’s side the Blackhawks hero scans the street with his hyper vision.

“There’s a lot more coming.” Pat says, fear creeping into his voice.

The Blackhawks stand back to back ready to make a desperate stand against the odds, again as they have countless times before. A fresh wave pizza marches towards them.

“Get ready.” John says, more from habit than from need.

Suddenly a blue and white blur tears through the deadly horde. Pizza slices sail through the air wildly as the blur spins around furiously before stopping to reveal a man. Toronto Maple Leaf Kasperi Kapenen has his hands full of pizza one moment and is wiping pizza sauce from his mouth the next.

“Such delicious pizza.” Kasperi says. “But it’s so hot.” Kasperi speeds through the crazed pizza as it regroups, repeating the process of grabbing the pizza, spinning to cool it down and eating it in revolting gobs. “Even after I cool them down, if I don’t eat them fast they start to get hot again.”

“The heat.” John muses. “I wonder if the heat is somehow making them angry. We need to cool them down.” a light goes of in John’s thoughts. “You can call John, we need him.” John Tavares is an old National teammate of John’s and his super chill would be perfect.

Kasperi shrugs. “John’s doing something else, probably saving the day somewhere. Coach sent me and my squad here. You’d have to ask him why.”

“Where’s your squad?” Patrick asks. “Running late?”

“I might have gotten a little ahead.” Kasperi admits. “The pizza was just so good.”

“Well I think we’re gonna wish they were here.” Patrick points to where several thousand pizza’s fill the street

“Everything’s going to be fine.” Kasperi is as sure as he sounds. “Just wait for my signal.”

The pizza gets closer and closer but Kasperi makes no signal.

“Go Leafs Go!” is shouted from the other end of the street, behind the pizza. Josh Leivo, Connor Brown, and Andreas Johnsson  wreak havoc through the back lines. Where the pizza seems to be battling against itself, Kasperi knows Tyler Ennis is doing his part. The pizza wave falters, then Patrick Marleau, fully veered into a werewolf, leaps into the steaming mass and seventy-three Mitch Marners strike into its flank. The Mitches are armed with shields and spatulas, they form a shield wall that the maniac pizza cannot fight through. Zach Hyman, his battle axe resting on his shoulder saunters to where Kasperi and the Blackhawks are watching the battle.

“Great work getting to them Kas.” Zach holds out his fist for a bump. “You saved the day.”

“Saved the day?” Pat is incredulous. “Pizza is still going crazy all over the city.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Zach smiles. “We got some guys taking care of that right now.” There is a rumble from deep under the ground. The army of maniac pies flops to the ground in a de-animated heap. The werewolf feasts on the fallen pizza’s while the rest of the Leafs gather around Kasperi. The Mitches revert to a singularity, Andreas turns the swords at the end of his arms back into hands, and Tyler grows back to full size. Every Leaf has hands full of pizza.

Between bites Zach gets the groups attention.

“New orders from coach.” The Leafs hush with anticipation. “Kas, you’re being shifted from Oyster squad to Horse squad, permanently, for now. Congratulations.”

The Leafs are all happy for their teammate, even Tyler, who had been wondering why the coaches seemed reluctant to put him with Horse. Kasperi is speechless and flush with pride.

“This is ridiculous.” Patrick sneers at the Leafs celebrations. “Come on, leave them to their lame little party, let’s go find some real action.”

“You’re welcome!” Josh shouts at the departing heroes.

“Yeah, it was super fun saving your city” Connor adds

The Blackhawks leave together, but John turns back for one last look. He whispers under his breath “Go Leafs. Go.”          

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. Probably the most significant change is the squadron based tactics that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas have decided to deploy on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Ether squad: the goalies.

When the four hundred foot tall Sour Patch Kid first appeared in the heart of Toronto the Maple Leafs were sure they’d be able to take it down with little effort. Damasque squad, the defense, weren’t able to slow it down. Oyster squad, wingers, tried to help but still weren’t enough. That is when Frederik Andersen realized the the giant sour gummy was a magical enemy.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs high mage Freddy is counted on to overcome any and all magical threats to the city. He casts ‘Deacon Drazor’s Deductive Demarcation’ to get a better sense of what he is facing and the moment the spell touches the candy Freddy is stung by a powerful counterspell. He casts ‘Fledgling Flames of Fraenolo’ but the fire is snuffed out before it can catch. Desperate, Freddy casts ‘Chains Challengers’ and the mystic bonds are able to wrap firmly around the enormous destructive treat. The pressure that pushes against his spell is immense. Freddy strains to maintain his magic. Garret Sparks appears beside him with a puff of smoke.

“What can I do to help?” Garret asks. Garret is the Toronto Maple Leafs backup wizard which means he can only watch the high mage until he is specifically tasked to engage. Though frustrating, the rules of magic are absolute.

“Can’t help.” Freddy tells his eager backup. Sweat beads down the wizards nose. He can feel his magic beginning to fade. His skill is great, but doubt has begun to creep into Freddy’s subconscious, seeding his every act with fatal hesitation. Releasing ‘Chains Challengers’ Freddy immediately casts ‘Weeping Web of Whispered Wanting’. The spell projects the targets deepest desire being fulfilled, since it  does no direct damage the sour kid is not protected and so the glamour takes hold of its limited mind.

Spellbound and harmless, the candy stands in the middle of the street. It coos softly, swaying and snuggling with some unseen thing.

“Now I just need to figure out what to do with it.” Garret nods even though Freddy is talking to himself. “Any attack will break the illusion, which means whatever I do will have to be fast and totally devastating. I could try ‘Joachims Yawning Yurt’ but that just delays the issue, doesn’t solve it. ‘Rantholemews Roaring Razor’ would take out half the city, ‘Might of Mage Malagauge’ could help but I need to be sure.”

“Don’t sweat it big guy.” A voice calls out from behind a shattered wall. It is Craig Anderson, high mage for the Ottawa Senators. From his hiding place the wizard prepares a trio of spells. He steps out from behind cover and releases all three at once.

‘Bella Bravuully’s Bedevilment’ stuns the gummy, a needless spell as the creature is already magically ensnared. ‘Curriculators Quickest Counter’ dispells the counter magic that the creature used against Freddy, and ‘Immolatovs Invigoared Immolation’ melts the candy down to a steaming pile of high fructose corn syrup.

“Well that’s just great!” Freddy shouts, frustrated and embarrassed at being out magiced by his Ottawa counter part. “Who’s going to clean up all this mess!”

“Sounds like a you problem bro.” Craig answers with a smug grin. “Toodles.” The mage casts a quick ‘Poignant Portal’ and is gone.

“Damn.” Freddy says.

“What a mess.” Garret tries to sound upbeat. “Well, let’s get to work.” Now that the combat is over the backup wizard is free to use his powers. “How about ‘Muskovi’s Many Mops’? That should do it. Don’t worry Freddy, I got clean up. You’ll get ’em next time.”

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.”

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 Ether squad: the goalies.

Toronto Maple Leaf tower rumbles ominously. As panic spreads Brendan Shanahan strides with purpose through his rattling domain. Terrified staff do their best to scurry toward the exits. Brendan pays them no heed, security is doing their job of directing the people to safety. He takes his private elevator to the sub-sub basement. Behind the power generator is the access hatch that leads to the Toronto Maple Leaf secret super lair.

“Where’s Mike?” Brendan asks the first technician he sees “What the hell is going on?”

“It’s the goalies.” The Toronto Maple Leaf chief bio-engineer answers, before running to the emergency bunker.

Brendan takes the quickest path to the goalies ritual chamber. As he nears the room he can feel that the pulses shaking his tower are coming from here. Kyle Dubas and Mike Babcock stand at the door, riding out the pulses. Brendan is immediately relieved by their calmness.

“So?” Brendan asks.

“We don’t know yet.” Kyle answers. “But at least something is happening.”

The goalies selection ritual has taken longer than usual. As the Toronto Maple Leaf magical support they are a vital cog in the teams super hero agenda. Everyone is eager to have the situation resolved.

The door to the wizard’s chamber creaks as it slowly opens. Frederik Andersen and Garret Sparks walk out of the smoke filled chamber. A reek of sulphur and acid wafts out behind them before Garret quickly closes the door.

“So you’re ready to go now?” Mike asks hopefully.

“The ritual is complete, ya.” Freddy answers. “The mages council have sent Calvin and Curtis out to other lands where their magical might is needed. Mayhaps they will return but the paths that magic may lead us down is secret knowledge, that those who know are bound to withhold”

“Okay.” Mike takes his time working through what Freddy has said. “But you and Garret are here. You two are my goalies.”

“Our magic is at your disposal.” Freddy nods

“Are you planning on shaking the tower again?” Brendan asks.

“No.” Freddy answers. “Now, gentlemen, we are very tired and very hungry. If there’s nothing more to worry about…” Freddy leads Garret towards the Toronto Maple Leaf cafeteria.

They are not quit out of earshot when Garret says “But the tower could start shaking again any second now, shouldn’t we tell them it wasn’t us.”

None of the men hear Freddy’s response.

“Goalies, am I right?” Smiling, Brendan heads back to his office. He trusts his people.  

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.

An army of imps is invading the city of Detroit. They seek to steal the Great Orb of Binding that has been kept hidden in the city for millenia. The Detroit Red Wings have their hands full protecting the people of the city, leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs to deal with the army. Between the defense and the wingers the imps have little to no chance, but it’s the centers who will make sure the imps are never able to attack again.

To that end Otter squad is with Jimmy Howard, the starting goalie and chief wizard for the Detroit Red Wings, deep beneath the city streets, in the chamber of the Great Orb of Binding. The orbs were created by the first empire of humanity to keep the imp kingdom locked on the other side of our dimensional perceptions, essentially turning them into ghosts. If the imps get control of one orb they would be able to deactivate all of them, unleashing a twisted horror upon the planet.  

“I wish you had brought one of your goalies.” Jimmy says to no Leaf in particular.

“They’re busy.” Auston Matthews answers. “Freddy says the selection ritual can take weeks sometimes.”

“Selection ritual!” Jimmy is upset. “We are talking about the fate of the Earth! He could have spared me an hour of his focus. God.”

“Wizards right.” Nazem Kadri smirks. “They’re all crazy.”

“Well I guess we’d have to be.” Jimmy answers. “I can’t do this by myself.”

“You’re not alone.” John Tavares soothes the agitated mage with his total chill. “Tell us what you need.”

Jimmy doesn’t answer right away. He can’t help but be slightly overwhelmed. The Great Orb stands twenty feet tall. It pulses with a bright light and crackles with pent up energy which lashes out wildly throughout the chamber. A portal has opened near the orb and hundreds of imps have spilled through it. They labour under the weight of two massive chains, hauling at something very heavy.

“While he’s thinking, maybe we go stop whatever it is their doing?” Auston doesn’t wait for permission to spring into action. He draws his sword and a brilliant light shines forth from within the Leaf hero.

“Stay with Jimmy, keep him safe.” Jon says to Par Lindholm and Freddy Gauthier. The two young Leafs will do whatever it takes to protect the Red Wings wizard, but they know that no imp will threaten his life. Otter squad is too powerful.

Auston rushes into the mob of imps and alone manages to get them to drop one of the chains. The light that shines from him scalds the imps as quickly as his sword cuts them down. He focuses the light into beams of power that cut through the mob with the deadly effect of a scythe, leaving hundreds of imps in a bloody ruin.

Nazem sits in the shadow realm occasionally plucking hapless imps through one at a time. The chamber is filled with sporadic lights and so the shadows are everywhere, which means Naz is everywhere. He opens the floor beneath the second chain and hundreds of imps disappear without a trace. Inside the shadow realm the imp soldiers appear hundreds of meters above the ground. They scream as they fall, an endless and a grisly rain.

Jon approaches the battle with a touch more deliberation. With the chains no longer being pulled and the imp forces on his side of the portal effectively scattered, Jon moves to make sure that no more soldiers come through. He approaches the portal and reaches out with his chill. Soon the air around him is so cold that imp flesh is frozen solid after only a few seconds. Jon extends the zone as far as he can,almost large enough to cover the portal.

Imps continue to stream through the magical doorway, but they can only die now. Jon smashes their freezing bodies to pieces with his iron tipped staff, Auston slices through them with terrible precision, and the hungry shadows feast on the remnants. Standing beside Jimmy, Par and Freddy can only shake their heads in awe. Their teammates make the annihilation of an entire army seem easy.

“I think I’ve got it.” The wizard mutters to himself. “I’ve got it!” A burst of energy slips out from Jimmy’s raised hand and integrates with the magic of the portal. Soon tendrils of the new magic begin to weave together and force the door closed. The few imps left earth-side are soon dispatched. Otter squad regroups, not even breathing heavily.

“What’s to keep them from making another portal?” Jon asks.

Jimmy shrugs. “The magic they used requires a very specific star alignment, they can’t make another portal for a few millenia, but I don’t think they would make one anytime soon anyway.” Jimmy waves his hand vaguely at the devastation in the Orb chamber. “Look what you Leafs are capable of, who would ever want to face that?”

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.”

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 Damasque squad: the defense

Morgan Rielly smiles and leans back in his chair. The Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman is one of the only players who is regularly in the control room near the top of Toronto Maple Leaf tower. His technopathic super power makes him an invaluable asset to the Leafs superhero activities. Morgan can access and control any digital device within a ten foot radius. If that device is connected to the internet then so is Morgan. He doesn’t often surf the web directly, but when he does the experience is staggering in its awesomeness. Morgan is everywhere, he is everything, yet at the same time his mind is intensely aware of how small it is in comparison to the vast untamed wilderness that is the internet. Yet for all his interconnectivity, Morgan is still paying attention to what’s going on in the control room. He is on a mission for his squad.

“What have you got for me?” Kyle Dubas asks. The Toronto Maple Leafs GM is usually calm but this case has him more anxious than normal.

“Forty-seven street poutine vendors have a licence in our target area.” Morgan answers. “ I’ve narrowed the list down to those who’ve had been operating for over a decade. Who ever it is, they’re on that list.

A killer stalks the Montreal streets, a killer who has been at work for at least a decade. A killer who finally stuck their nose out a bit too far. Kyle plans on catching them tonight. Toronto Maple Leaf head coach Mike Babcock has a different problem. His boss has questions that Mike is not yet ready to answer.

Brendan Shanahan draws the attention of all the control room staff without even trying. His mere presence is enough to make most people recoil in awe. It takes some getting used to. Mike is one of the few people on Earth who can face Brendan and not wither, but it’s not easy.

“Status update, Mike” Brendan asks. He arches an eyebrow and waits.

Mike chews his lip. “Not much of a change Brendan.” He answers. “The goalies are still sitting in the basement, chanting or something. I guess whenever they’re finished their ritual we’ll know who the backup is. Our defence hasn’t been surprising yet, which is a little bit disappointing I guess, but only if you think that way. Our forwards are great. I have more players then I have spots, but I still want Wily. All in all we’re right where I thought we’d be, ready to get going for real.”

Brendan senses that Mike wants to say more so he waits.

“I think I might move Kadri to the second power play unit. Not sure though.” Mike finally admits. He hates being indecisive, but refuses to hide from it when he is.

“That’s your choice to make Mike.” Brendan smiles. He turns and is surprised to find Haley Wickenhieser standing behind him. “Hayley, how are you?”

“I’m okay, sensei.” Hayley responds with a shrug.

“I told you to stop calling me that. You are at least as great as I am, if not greater.” Brendan is sincere in his admiration for the living legend.

“You honour me sensei.” Hayley bows. “But you have lifted the cup, something I will never do.”

“Never say never.” Brendan says.

Hayley straightens and the gleam in her eye is plain to see.

“I found him!” Kyle jumps up from his chair. “North east corner of Guy street and Rene-Levesque boulevard.”

“I can go.” Hayley is ready for action immediately.

“No need.” Kyle says. “Ron and Calle are nearby, Price is with them.”

They all watch on Kyle’s monitor as Ron Hainsey, Calle Rosen and Carey Price approach a poutine vendor. Ron has no superpowers, but he has lots of guns so it’s pretty much the same thing. Calle doesn’t get involved in any discernible way but he uses his psychic ability to harass and distract. It is the Montreal Canadiens star who is the most terrible to behold. With a wave of his hand the simple street vendor is revealed as an inhuman chimera monster. With a snap of Carey’s fingers chains of black magic lash out and hold the beast to the ground. The monster writhes as one of the most powerful wizards in the world reads its twisted mind. Carey shudders and says something. Ron unloads a thirty round clip into the beasts head, making it a paste. Carey casts another spell and the body is dragged into the street by ghostly hands.

Three hours later Morgan returns to his squad, his whole squad. The Toronto Maple Leaf defense sent Morgan into the control center to find out who had made the final cut. They have been waiting to hear his report all night, even while hunting for a serial killer. There are only so many spots on the squad and they are precious. Staring out at the group of eager faces, a part of him wishes they could all stay, but that’s not how it works.

“He said he’s not surprised, whatever that means.” Morgan doesn’t know.

Nobody but Mike knows and all the rest of us can do is watch.

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 Ether squadron: the goalies.

Traversing the astral plane is dangerous at the best of times. These are not the best of times.

Garrett Sparks shouts and writhes in pain. Curtis McElhinney also spins away from the ethereal attacker. The pair of Toronto Maple Leaf goalies haven’t had any rest for over a week now. They are getting closer to the culmination of the selection ritual. Their astral bodies float far from their physical ones, Frederik Anderson and Calvin Pickard are with them. Freddy Absorbs the magic of the attack and spits it back out at the dark will that strikes out at them from hidden places. While all it’s attention is on Freddy, Calvin slips past the attacker and moves in to support Garret and Curtis. The three begin to chant.

Freddy grapples with shadows that turn into flames. Freddy becomes a fire that burns the brighter. The flames leap off Freddy and become a shark, swimming fast through the void, seeking to escape. Freddy chases.

Curtis, Calvin, and Garrett chant quieter and quieter but as they do their chant takes the form of a hand which grows and grows until it is bigger than the Earth. The fleeing shark cannot move fast enough to escape the grasp of this enormous hand. It writhes as the hand squeezes. The Leafs chant begins to speed up and the hand spins, shrinking with each revolution. Freddy nods his approval at the choice of spell. At last a tiny imp is spinning between the three chanting wizards.

“Show us your treasure.” Freddy demands.  

What does Wily see when he watches Leaf games?

Does he still follow the action? Does he know all the names?

Does he wish he could fill his old spot on the right?

Does he think that old Kasperi just had one good night?

What does Wily do when he watches Leafs games?

Does he remember his dad on the Calgary Flames?

Does he worry about bouncing to team after team?

Does he want to stay put like all of us dream?

What does Wily want when he watches Leafs games?

A marvelous house filled with beautiful dames?

A vault full of diamonds and a boat made of gold?

Or a trophy to fight for and one day to hold?

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 Oyster squad: wingers

Tyler Ennis jumps through the doors keyhole at the same time that Josh Lievo smashes through the window. Tyler does not lose any mass when he shrinks down so his punches hit with the force of a truck. Josh is impervious to harm which essentially makes him a human wrecking ball. Between the Toronto Maple Leaf they can see and the one they can’t, the four gangsters who were left behind to guard the hideout don’t stand a chance.

Tyler grows back to full size as he knocks out the last of the criminals.

“Base is clear” Josh says.

“Great work.” Kyle Dubas answers through his Toronto Maple Leafs comms unit. “I need you two to hold down the base in case any of the gang slips past the rest of the squad and comes back.”

“We’ll stay here,” Tyler says. “But sir, they won’t get past the squad.”

“Just stay ready.” Kyle says.

The Toronto Maple Leafs GM shares Tylers faith in the rest of Oyster squad, but he won’t let his belief get in the way of making the world a better place. So he pilots his small flock of aerial drones in the clouds above the grimy Buffalo streets keeping an eye on Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapenen, and Andreas Johnsson. The gang has sent out almost two dozen soldiers to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs, they should have sent more.

Andreas can turn his hands into swords, however against mundane humans he simply hardens his fists and knocks his opponents senseless. Kasperi can move faster than an eyeblink, he darts among his foes disarming and restraining them before they realize he is in their midst. Connor stands brazenly in the open, taunting the gang. Finally they draw their guns and open fire. The Leaf laughs as their bullets drop to the ground, drained of all kinetic energy the moment they make contact with him. Connor absorbs this energy and uses it to enhance his own speed and strength.

“I love getting shot!” Connor yells as he dives into a melee with a half dozen gangsters.

Kyle enjoys the show. He knew his faith was well placed. None of the gang slips past them. However Kyle is so absorbed in the action he fails to notice two figures making their way toward the gangs hideout.

Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner of the Buffalo Sabres surprise Josh and Tyler, who are playing some cards while they wait for what they both believe to be an inevitable ‘all clear.’

“Whatcha playing?” Jack sneers as he emerges from the shadows. “Old maid?”

“What are you two doing here?” Jeff is all business. “This is Sabre country. No Leafs allowed.”

“Yeah.” Jack chuckles. “No Maple Laughs!”

“I hate that name.” Josh snarls as he stands up.

A sonic boom knocks the four off their feet as Hayley Wickenhieser lands with the force of a comet. Jack and Jeff are on their feet first but Josh and Tyler are not far behind.

“Who the hell are you?” Jack asks.

“Don’t be stupid.” Jeff says. “She’s a legend”

“A Canadian one!” Jack raises his fists. “You want stupid, I’ll show you stupid!” Jack throws several punches at Hayley. The young star is fast and strong and well trained, but he doesn’t come close. Hayley avoids every blow without raising a hand. Finally she extends her left hand, palm out.

“Stop.”Hayley says and such a force in in the word that Jack is knocked off his feet.

Josh and Tyler move towards the fallen Sabre but Hayley holds them back with a gesture.

“Return to the Tower.” Hayley says.

“Yes, sensei.” Josh and Tyler reply in unison, then they turn to go.

“You.” Hayley stares at the seething Jack. “You are a rude, spoiled child. I hope you learn respect before the lesson becomes too costly.” She rockets back to Toronto before he can respond.