Toronto Maple Leafs: Three Takeaways From Win Over Oilers

Nov 29, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate a second period goal by forward James van Riemsdyk (25) against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate a second period goal by forward James van Riemsdyk (25) against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) tries to screen Edmonton Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot (33) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) tries to screen Edmonton Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot (33) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Auston Matthews Is Not A Robot

In their first tilt, Matthews stayed off the scoring sheet as he battled through his drought. Nevertheless, he showed up for round two of this media-driven rivalry, silencing the crowd in the first period.

According to TSN’s Mark Masters, Matthews gave a glimpse of what can motivate him after being heckled by a fan while in the penalty box.

Since being drafted, Matthews has rarely shown emotion. Thus hearing how the trash talk from opposing fans fuels him, goes to show how much he enjoys playing on the road.

He rarely shows emotion, so hearing how the trash talk from opposing fans fuels him, goes to show how much he relishes playing on the road. Furthermore, it gives the fans a glimpse of his competitive attitude and what can motivate him throughout the game.

Next: Leafs can be 2010 Blackhawks

Now that he has put his drought behind him, Matthews now has four goals in his last three games. Also, it makes him the first rookie to score 10 goals since the 2008-2009 season.

He will look to continue his hot streak against the Calgary Flames as the Maple Leafs continue their Western Canadian road trip.