After a thrilling game between Team Canada and Team Sweden yesterday, the fans are craving more action in the Four Nations Face-Off. And it’s about time Team USA stepped in to compete. At Montreal’s Bell Centre, the men in dark blue sweaters will be facing Team Finland, and the stakes are high for the team after rival Canada’s overtime win.

So expectations will be piling up, especially on the shoulders of the captain of Team USA, Auston Matthews. However, has the disrespect decreased? Not really. In fact, it has made its way to the stage of the Four Nations Face-Off, and after experiencing a rather unpleasant moment, Matthews has shared his thoughts on it.

Following Thursday’s practice at Montreal Bell Centre, Matthews noticed that the crowd was booing him. Now that’s something that is not new for him, and so he is willing to take it in his stride. “I mean, we play here quite a bit, and obviously, uh, you know, it’s always a great atmosphere. I think it’s something you just embrace and have fun with. I mean, if you’re getting booed, you must be doing something right, so, uh, in the end, um, you know, these are moments, uh, games, situations that you kind of dream of playing in, so I don’t think there’s really any issue in that,” said the captain of Team USA.

Positivity is surely a term that Matthews is stressing about. Playing at Montreal Bell Centre is nothing new to him, as he has played many times in his NHL career, especially as the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, against the home team and arch-rivals Montreal Canadiens. However, rather than focusing on the hatred coming from the crowd, he’s choosing to look at it as validation of sorts. 

“So, uh, like I said, I take it as, uh, as a good thing or maybe of a sign of respect, but, uh, you know, like I said, this is a great building to play in on the road, and, uh, it’s always a great atmosphere here,” added Matthews via TSN. Granted, it’s quite normal to hear the boos at a rival’s home, but not too long ago Matthews was slammed by U.S. fans as well. What was that about?

Facing the heat since before the 4 Nations Face-Off

Since joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016, Auston Matthews has gone from being promising to being the captain of the team. As if taking over John Tavares‘ role wasn’t a big enough honor, the center was appointed as the captain of the U.S. national team as well ahead of the ongoing 4 Nations Face-Off. But fans? Well let’s just say Matthews’ national team promotion didn’t go down well with them.

“This is like Canada naming McDavid captain. They won’t win s*** now,” read one of the many harsh comments that flooded social media following his appointment. Indeed, Matthews has failed to win the Stanley Cup with the Maple Leafs, much like McDavid with the Oilers. Taking a dig at his silverware drought, one fan even called him, “Mr. No Cups.”

But is it a fair assessment? After all, the Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. What do you think? Will Matthews have a successful run as the captain of the National team and the Leafs? Let us know in the comments.