Auston Matthews says Maple Leafs fans ‘rightfully’ booed team before comeback win
It was a messy game from the Leafs that looked at times to be an inevitable win for the Blackhawks, who held the lead for nearly 40 minutes after scoring twice in the latter half of the first period. Speaking after the game, Auston Matthews broke down the game, which he thought was a decent effort from the Leafs outside of one weak stretch early.
“I think other than the last 10 minutes of the first period, I thought we played pretty solid,” Matthews said. “I think it just got away from us there after 10, a couple of bad breaks. I think we stopped taking care of the puck and turnovers were obviously an issue. But I thought the second period we at least played harder, competed harder.”
Despite the frustrations of being held scoreless through two periods, Matthews said the team kept in good spirits heading in the second intermission, intent on sticking to the game plan. Able to stay level-headed, they ultimately found a way back in and fought their way to a win.
“It’s nice that you come into the locker room, guys are staying positive and holding each other accountable,” Matthews said. “We just gotta go out there and compete a little bit harder, play the right way, keep things simple. And I thought we just grinded out that third period.”
“The boo birds were coming down, rightfully so,” he said. “I think after that first goal, the crowd really got into it, which is great. And then after the second one, the place was rocking. Good to get that one, and obviously good for the power play as well. Nice way to finish off the game.”