Toronto Maple Leafs reporter claims fans officially hate Auston Matthews
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews was getting booed by fans last night, and JD Bunkis does not see it as some sort of isolated incident.
Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs faithful were in a bit of a contest on Tuesday night as the Leafs defeated the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Leafs captain was booed for much of the game, as his effort simply wasn't good enough. However, the team eventually got it together and won the game.
Matthews had the game-tying goal, and when he scored, he looked towards the crowd and put his hand to his ear in a move that felt pretty instigative.
Now, a conversation is being had about Matthews' relationship with the fanbase and how it has completely eroded over the past year.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans and Auston Matthews at odds
In fact, JD Bunkis told Sam McKee on "Leafs Talk" that he believes the Maple Leafs fanbase hates Matthews right now, and that the feeling needs to be mutual.
Bunkis believes this is the only fuel that will get the captain and the rest of the team going. Otherwise, Leafs fans are just going to grow apathetic.
If [the Leafs] need to hate the fans right now Good. Feeling's mutual Whatever is going to be the fuel, I don't care at this point.
At this point, Leafs fans just want the team to start playing well. Of course, booing the players is not necessarily the best way of teasing out results.
Having said that, the Maple Leafs need to keep winning games, and their upcoming match against the Washington Capitals should be seen as a big opportunity.
They are four points out of a playoff spot right now, and they need to continue to be better if they want to get into the top three of the Atlantic Division.
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DECEMBRE 17 | 619 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs reporter claims fans officially hate Auston Matthews Do you believe Auston Matthews dislikes Toronto Maple Leafs fans? | ||
| YES | 452 | 73 % |
| NO | 167 | 27 % |
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