Auston Matthews gets called out and can’t deny the accusations...

The Toronto Maple Leafs might have put an end to the New Jersey Devils’ impressive winning streak on Wednesday night, fans expect more from the team.

They especially expect more from star forward Auston Matthews.

Luke Fox of Sportsnet said it best in his column on four major areas the Maple Leafs need to improve at the quarter mark of the season.

“For one, even a slightly off Matthews is more effective that the bulk of the league. For two, the centreman’s skillset is such that he could erupt for a 30-goals-in-30-games tear and make a detractor look foolish in the flick of a CCM.

"And yet, after 21 games, the data and the eyeballs agree: We’re still waiting on peak Matthews.

"The reigning Hart, Ted Lindsay and Rocket trophy winner ranks tied for 32nd in goals (nine) and 33rd in points (21). Most shocking, Matthews is tied with a group of lesser talents for 243rd in even-strength points (six).

"Absolutely, some of the superstar’s quiet start can be attributed to a career-low shooting percentage (10.1). But whether it’s a dip in linemate chemistry or, as Matthews mentions, a need to drive more to middle ice, there is another element at work here.”

Fox is adamant that we haven’t seen the best of Matthews yet. But it has to come soon. Toronto currently sits third in the Eastern conference, however, the race is tight and points that are getting lost now could come back to hunt the Maple Leafs as we get closer to the postseason.

Matthews needs to get back to his usual ways.