Auston Matthews Sends Message to Leafs Nation as Cup Chase Continues

The fifth game of the Battle of Ontario is going to be a tough one for both sides. Ottawa is heading to enemy territory with a raucous and passionate crowd, and the Maple Leafs looking to quiet the ones who don't necessarily think they have what it takes to close it out.

Fan atmosphere has been a huge talking point this series thus far. From Ottawa preventing the Maple Leafs fans from getting tickets, to Toronto raining down jeer after jeer towards Sens players, they seem as important to the series as the players are.

Auston Matthews acknowledges the fans' passion as a huge factor in their success so far in the first round, and had a message for them ahead of Game 5:

There is something to be said for the Leafs fans and their passion so far this series. Given a lot of flak for their perceived lack of attention and rowdiness during the regular season, it's been a complete 180 when it comes to the postseason.

Call it bandwagoning, but there's no denying that the crowd is playing a huge factor in the series thus far for both sides, and Toronto needs to take advantage of every chance they can when the Senators get rattled; it's as equally mental as it is physical.

Matthews has done his part in the series scoring six points thus far, but with only one goal he needs to get things going soon. There were some minor injury concerns, but he since squashed those, and it's a good thing too as the Leafs can't afford any type of setback.

But we need to see how the team approaches Game 5. If they come out with some urgency and start off hot, then it could very well be a cakewalk to the second round.

Though if they end up needing a Game 6, don't expect the fans to be too forgiving.