Toronto's captain admitted post-game that he would've liked to have heard the crowd more following Reaves' fight in the opening minutes of the game.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews wasn't happy with the crowd in Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night after their 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Before either team could get anything going in the game, Ryan Reaves and Mathieu Olivier got into what was a spirited tilt. Both players threw continuous punches throughout the fight which lasted for about 30 seconds.
It was Reaves' first fight of the season after giving his thoughts on Tuesday about the exchange with Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj on Saturday night inside the Bell Centre.
The fight got both benches pumped up for what was ahead in the game. However, it wasn't as loud as some hoped inside Scotiabank Arena after both players got into the penalty box.
"It was great. It's still a big part of the game and he's a big part of this team. You love to see that," Matthews said post-game of Reaves' fight with Olivier.
"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. It was a great moment for (Reaves). I thought it gave us some energy on the bench."
Reaves had a strong game against the Blue Jackets, which included a burst in the first period where he almost beat Elvis Merzlikins on a breakaway. The veteran forward finished the game with two shots and 8:07 of ice time.
"Yeah, it was a great fight. I mean, that was a hell of a fight," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said on Wednesday night.
"I'll tell you what, I'm glad I wasn't in it. But, yeah, it was great to see. I thought that guys really fed off it. I really liked our first period."
Matthews was the lone goal scorer for Toronto on Wednesday. His 20th goal of the season came during the third period, cutting Columbus' lead to 4-1. Matthews has scored 20 goals in all nine of his seasons in the NHL.
Dennis Hildeby allowed four goals on 18 shots against Columbus in what was his sixth game of the season. He has three wins and a .878 save percentage through that span with the Maple Leafs this year.
"A little disappointing, frustrating," Hildeby said of his game against the Blue Jackets. "I think I obviously could've done a little better. That's pretty much it."
