Auston Matthews wanted 'more energy' from Maple Leafs fans for Reaves fight

TORONTO — Are you not entertained?

Auston Matthews wanted a louder reaction Wednesday night from the Scotiabank Arena faithful, who were treated to a doozy of a fight between Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Ryan Reaves and fellow heavyweight Mathieu Olivier.

“Yeah, it was great. I mean, that’s still a big part of the game, and he’s a big part of this team. And you love to see that,” the captain said.

“Would’ve liked a little more energy from the crowd after that. I thought it was a little quiet tonight, especially after two guys like that go at it. 

“But it was a great moment for him. Thought it gave us some energy on the bench. And obviously, he’s been looking for one for a while. So, you got to give kudos to the guy on the other side as well.”

Let’s provide some context for Matthews’ comments on the home crowd, which have struck some as curious, given they arrived after a 5-1 loss.

First off, the score was 0-0 and Toronto was still looking to extend a three-game win streak when Reaves and Olivier dropped the gloves and punched until their helmets flew off and both benches voiced their approval.

“That was a hell of a fight, I’ll ya what,” Leafs coach Craig Berube smiled. “I’m glad I wasn’t in it. That was great to see. I thought that guys really fed off it.”

Secondly, the scrap meant something to Reaves, who has been a frequent healthy scratch and was very publicly denied a dance by Arber Xhekaj during Saturday’s rivalry match in Montreal.

“Yeah, it’s the longest I’ve gone without one. I would like one, for sure,” Reaves told us last week. The usually proficient pugilist sounded like a sniper discussing a goal drought.

“I mean, that’s what I’m here for. Or part of the reason I’m here. To not have one this late in season is new for me. So, I would definitely like one or two soon.”

Matthews was aware of the value of those five minutes in the box for Reaves, who came out flying with a Grade-A scoring chance shortly after serving his time.

And finally, the Leafs’ relationship with their paying fans was a little shaky earlier this month, when the players got booed off their own ice in consecutive losses to Vancouver and Dallas. 

Interestingly, Olivier told us Wednesday morning that he had watched Xhekaj wave Reaves off and point to the scoreboard Saturday in Montreal when the Canadiens were up 3-0.

So, is there a bad time to accept a fight?

“Personally, I think there’s never a bad time for it,” Olivier said. “Because you look at the other night… They’re down 3-0. The guy says no, which you would think would hurt the Leafs — but they come back and get seven. 

“So, what is timing? Maybe he takes the fight, and the Leafs don’t come back. Or maybe he takes it, and they do come back. You never know. Like, it’s not an exact science. So, I don't believe in that timing stuff.” 

Olivier has no personal relationship with Reaves, or any of the league’s shrinking class of heavyweights.

“I don't know any of ’em,” Olivier said. “I’m from Quebec City. Guys that come out of Quebec City are mostly skill guys.

“We’re all in the same chair, you know? We’re all kind of the same character guys, in the sense that we take pride in protecting our rooms. So, there’s obviously respect there. But everyone’s got a job, too, right?