Auston Matthews taunts Toronto Maple Leafs fans after being showered in boos
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews had the tying goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, but before that, the fans were hurling some abuse his way.
Auston Matthews has had his fair share of struggles this season. He hasn't been able to reach the heights of his 2023-24 campaign, and it feels as though the captain's game has been permanently altered in a negative way.
Some fans have completely lost patience with the captain, so it should come as no surprise that Matthews received some hefty boos last night.
The Maple Leafs were down 2-0 early to a beatable Chicago Blackhawks squad, and the effort from Matthews and the rest of the team was unacceptable.
However, with 10 minutes to go, the Leafs pulled off a miraculous comeback. Matthews got an assist on a goal from Oliver Ekman-Larsson before tying it up on his own. Eight seconds later, Dakota Joshua scored the game-winner.
Auston Matthews gives it right back to Toronto Maple Leafs fans
Matthews was clearly paying attention to the boos last night, and when he scored that game-tying goal, he made sure to give the fans a taste of their own medicine.
In the clip below, you can see Matthews look at the crowd, put his hand to his ear, and wave his hands up as if to show the fans that he wants them to be just as loud when he succeeds as when he fails.
It was an interesting moment, and one that could signal Matthews' frustrations with the fans and the media who continue to count him out.
Auston Matthews' stats have been up and down
Auston Matthews currently has 14 goals and nine assists for 23 points in 27 games. For some players, this would be a career year. For someone making $13.25 million per season, this simply is not good enough.
Matthews is on pace for just above 40 goals, which puts him nowhere near the Rocket Richard race. Instead, he is being outscored by guys like Morgan Geekie and Nathan MacKinnon.
Perhaps last night's win could be a launch point for Matthews to start playing like we know he can. It's wishful thinking, but hope is the only things Leafs fans have at this point.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 611 ANSWERS Auston Matthews taunts Toronto Maple Leafs fans after being showered in boos Do you believe Auston Matthews is fed up with Toronto Maple Leafs fans? | ||
| YES | 528 | 86.4 % |
| NO | 83 | 13.6 % |
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