October 23rd, 2013. Ottawa Senators Zone:
Karlsson and Alfie get tangled up in the boards fighting for the puck, amidst the struggling Karlsson looks Alfie in the eyes.
"Alfie, it's me! Erik!"
Alfie pretends like he hears nothing and kicks the puck deeper into the corner where the pair continue to chase, Alfie gets more aggressive and with a growl throws Karlsson to the ice.
Karlsson recovers and resumes his battle with his former mentor.
"Alfie! I know there's still good in you! You have to fight it!"
Alfie shows his frustration by elbowing Karlsson in the ribs (the refs don't notice of course and play goes on), Karlsson staggers but continues with his pleading.
"Alfie it's me, Erik! I know there's still good in you, and you have to fight it!" He continues with similar phrases as Alfie's protestations turn into roars.
But then something happened.
Alfie appears stricken, play is stopped, all are staring as Karlsson and Alfie stare at each other, Alfie is trying to form a single word, which eventually comes out.
"E-Erik..."
All is lost in a sudden flash of light and a peal of epic laughter, and Alfie triumphantly stands next to Karlsson wearing a pre-2008 white Sens uniform, arms in the air, 2003 golden locks, a grin under his mustache.
The Captain is back.
He leads a charge up the ice towards the Red Wing's goalie and scores-
However it's disallowed because of too many men on the ice, Cory Clouston laughs at his tv in spite of himself, MacLean remains as calm as ever, Melnyk gripes at the salary he now has to pay due to this act of divine intervention.
One can dream.