Auston Matthews makes feelings known about Leafs fans’ lack of energy after Ryan Reaves fight. (Image Source: Imagn)

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews shared his thoughts about the atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena during the intense fight between teammate Ryan Reaves and Columbus Blues Jackets heavyweight Mathieu Olivier.

The two heavyweights seemed to have locked eyes before the puck dropped in Wednesday’s game. Just a one minute into the first period, they dropped their gloves and circled each other at the center ice.

Mathieu Olivier landed a series of jabs that sent Ryan Reaves to the ice, but the Leafs enforcer quickly bounced back and retaliated. The two continued to exchange powerful punches for the next 30 seconds before the linesmen separated them.

Auston Matthews expressed his appreciation for the action but said that he expected a bit more energy from the Scotiabank Arena crowd.

“You love to see that. I 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,” Auston Matthews said post-game.

“It was a great fight. That was a helluva fight, I tell you what. I’m glad I wasn’t in it. It was great to see. I thought guys really fed off it. I really liked our first period,” said coach Craig Berube.

Meanwhile, the matchup ended with the Toronto Maple Leafs suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who moved atop the East Wild card standings with 53 points.

Auston Matthews scores, but Leafs fall to Blue Jackets at home

The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their homestand by hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.

Adam Fantilli kicked things off for the Blue Jackets, scoring a short-handed goal at 15:40 of the first period to give his team the lead. The Blue Jackets kept up their momentum in the second period, adding goals from James van Riemsdyk and Fantilli.

At 5:58 of the third period, Luca Del Bel Belluz extended the lead to 4-0 for the visitors before Auston Matthews pulled one back for the Leafs at 9:22. At 12:02, Fantilli completed his first career hat-trick with an empty-net goal, securing a 5-1 victory for the Blue Jackets.

Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Canadian Tire Centre next to face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

The Leafs are atop the Atlantic Division with 62 points, while the Senators are second in the East wild card standings with 52 points. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.