The Noise: Matthews shines on big stage; Eichel's tantrum has clear motive
theScore's new series, "The Noise," is published every Monday. It kicks off each week with a quick look at three teams or players making headlines, good or bad.
Auston Matthews
The rookie sensation rose to the occasion Sunday, scoring two goals including the game-winner in overtime to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-4 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in the Centennial Classic at BMO Field.
Matthews has been on an incredible roll of late, putting a 13-game goal drought in the rear-view mirror with 14 goals in his last 17 contests.
The 19-year-old is tied with Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Carter for second in the NHL's goal-scoring scoring race with 20, and he leads all rookies in both goals and points (32) with three games in hand on Winnipeg Jets phenom Patrik Laine.
Don't think the Leafs are reconsidering their first overall selection last June.
Jack Eichel
On the same weekend Matthews took yet another positive step in his development, another high draft pick lashed out at his team for their dismal play.
Jack Eichel - the Buffalo Sabres' second overall choice in 2015 - reportedly lost it following the club's loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
Eichel exploded in room, pounding equipment, screaming, storming out without speaking. Good to see. Said more than any quote could. #Sabres
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) December 31, 2016
Eichel insisted Sunday that his blow-up was "a little bit blown out of proportion," but further layed into his squad by saying every facet of its game needs to be improved.
The Sabres have hit rock bottom with one win in their last seven games, plummeting to the floor of the Eastern Conference.
If Eichel's eruption is going to inspire his teammates, it may not yield immediate results. Buffalo begins the new year with a road date against the New York Rangers on Tuesday and a trip to the United Center to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Yes, they're for real.
The Blue Jackets won their 15th consecutive game of the season on New Year's Eve, snapping the Minnesota Wild's 12-game win streak and extending their own franchise record.
Columbus hasn't lost since Nov. 26, and hasn't been defeated in regulation since Nov. 23rd. The Blue Jackets have only lost five times in regulation this season, and three of those came in their first six games.
On Saturday, they tied the 1981-82 New York Islanders and the 2012-13 Pittsburgh Penguins for the second-longest win streak in NHL history, and they now need two victories to equal the 1992-93 Penguins for the longest such streak of all time.
Columbus needs to beat the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday and the Washington Capitals on the road Thursday. Even if that doesn't happen, the Blue Jackets have already proven they're legit, and they should continue to be taken seriously in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division.