During the matchup between the Leafs and the Canadiens, which the Leafs won with a score of 4-2, fans began booing Leafs forward Auston Matthews. Quite a few Leafs fans and journalists decided that the booing was disrespectful, they believed that it showed a "lack of respect" towards their star player. Some took it a step further, and made some harsh comments about the Montreal crowd that booed Matthews.
Auston Matthews was asked about the booing during a post game interview, his answer was quite surprising. He said that he did not mind that fans booed him, he went on to explain that he considered the booing a sign of respect.
This reaction is quite different compared to the Leafs fans who thought the booing showed a lack of respect. Matthews knows that getting booed is a part of being a professional athlete. He understands that a fan booing is not a personal attack, and that it is a part of the sport. Live spectators bring energy and excitement to sporting events, and sometimes that energy involves booing.