Cole Caufield etched his name further into Montreal Canadiens' lore on Thursday night, scoring a dramatic overtime goal to secure a 3-2 victory against the Nashville Predators. This marks his second consecutive game with an overtime winner, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer.
The Bell Centre erupted as Caufield found the back of the net with just two seconds remaining in the extra frame. The Canadiens had forced overtime after trailing late in the third period, mirroring their previous game. With the clock ticking down, Caufield tied the game at 2-2 with a mere 19.5 seconds left in regulation, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The 24-year-old winger's heroics extend beyond this single game. He has now scored five goals in five games this season, demonstrating his consistent offensive prowess. His knack for scoring in critical moments has quickly made him a fan favorite in Montreal.
Drafted 15th overall by the Canadiens in 2019, Caufield's journey to becoming a key player has been marked by dedication and skill. Before turning pro, the Mosinee, Wisconsin native, played college hockey for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as the top men's player in NCAA Division I ice hockey.
The Canadiens' victory over the Predators was a team effort. Rookie Oliver Kapanen also contributed with a goal, while defenseman Lane Hutson chipped in with two assists. Backup goaltender Jakub Dobes made 17 saves in his second start of the year, helping to secure the win.
Montreal has been dominant at the Bell Centre as of late, improving to 12-0-2 in their last 14 regular-season games. Their last regulation loss on home ice was February 9.
While the Canadiens celebrated their fourth consecutive win, the Predators have struggled, losing their second straight game. Steven Stamkos and Nick Perbix scored for Nashville, with Juuse Saros stopping 27 shots in the losing effort. Stamkos's power-play goal was his 27th goal and 52nd point in 54 career games against the Canadiens.
Looking ahead, the Canadiens will host the New York Rangers on Saturday. The Predators will visit the Winnipeg Jets on the same day.
Caufield's eight-year, $62.8 million contract, signed in June 2023, underscores the Canadiens' commitment to him as a cornerstone of their franchise. With his blend of skill and determination, Cole Caufield is not only making history but also shaping the future of the Montreal Canadiens.
