Are you a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? With a movie project that includes at least 20 films in it’s existence, by now, you’re either in or aggressively trying to stay out of it. Similarly to those who fought against the power of Game of Thrones (and boy were those people right).

Of all the characters, Thanos stood out the most. Not because he was the highly anticipated final villain of the MCU saga, but because of things he said when on the screen. Thanos may be one of the most quoted characters in these films aside from Captain America’s, “I got that reference,” and Spider-Man’s, “I don’t feel too good Mister Stark.”

Those words came from someone who was focused and determined. Someone who understood what he would need to do to accomplish a goal that he believed to his core was necessary to save the universe. And if anything needs a mentality like that right about now, it’s the Leafs.

So I thought it would be funny to look at some of Thanos’ most popular quotes from his movie appearances and do what the rest of the NHL hates to do: make it about the Leafs.

“Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the universe. But this... does put a smile on my face.”

The Leafs weren’t as bad defensively as they had been all season against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They weren’t perfect, but they ran into some hot goaltending via Jonas Korpisalo and couldn’t score as much as they’d like. The majority of the offence came from their top guys in Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander.

The depth shrivelled up and nothing else to provide. Of course, this wasn’t too much of an issue throughout the season but some scoring from the third and fourth lines could’ve benefited the Leafs, especially when Sheldon Keefe went All-Star Mode in Game 5 with Matthews-Tavares-Marner.

It won’t be fun for Kyle Dubas to find pieces to balance out the roster, but when he does and it works, it should make him happy.

Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

“I am inevitable”

Are you familiar with Murphy’s Law? It’s the phenomenon where whatever can go wrong, will go wrong...

Does that not directly scream “The Toronto Maple Leafs”?

“You could not live with your own failure, and where did that bring you? Back to me.”

Yeah, Thanos is talking to all of us on this one.

“I know what it’s like to lose. To feel so desperately that you’re right, yet to fail nonetheless. It’s frightening, turns the legs to jelly. I ask you to what end? Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same. And now it’s here. Or should I say, I am.”

Again, another direct address to all Leafs fans. It’s pretty self-explanatory. As to who the “I am” applies to, well that’s every dreadful Leafy thing that comes for this organization.

“You have my respect, Stark. When I’m done, half of humanity will still be alive. I hope they remember you.”

If Dubas didn’t have the media day that he did, I’d say this would apply to whoever between Marner and Nylander was moved over the offseason (you know, besides the “half of humanity” part). However, it can still be linked to the players dealt to improve the team whether that be an Andreas Johnsson, a Kasperi Kapanen, or both. And if they become pieces that help the Leafs turn a corner next season, we should all remember them.

The hardest choices require the strongest wills.

Oh man...maybe Nylander is gone!

In Case You Missed It

Back to Excited Episode 116 - Media day breakdown with Katya Knappe - Pension Plan Puppets
The boss joins us to chat about Dubas’ comments and the way forward for the Leafs

Monday’s Games

Lightning @ Blue Jackets - Lightning lead the series 2-1
3:00 PM EST, SN1, SN360, TVAS, NBCSN, FS-O, SUN

Avalanche @ Coyotes - Avalanche lead the series 2-1
5:30 PM EST, FX-CA, TVAS, NBCSN, FS-A, FS-A PLUS, ALT

Bruins @ Hurricanes - Booins lead the series 2-1
8:00 PM EST, CBC, SN, TVAS, NBCSN, FS-CR, NESN

Blues @ Canucks -
10:30 PM EST, CBC, SN, NBCSN, FS-MW

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