Canadiens’ Cole Caufield joins elite 50-goal club with smooth finish vs. Lightning

The Montreal Canadiens are headed to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their remaining schedule serves as a chance to build momentum before they compete for a Stanley Cup. However, some significant milestones can still be achieved. And star forward Cole Caufield netted himself a major feat on Thursday night.

Caufield and his teammates showed off impeccable puck movement against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period. An unreal no-look pass from Juraj Slafkovsky sparked a Montreal rush up the ice. Captain Nick Suzuki found Caufield in the offensive zone for the game’s first goal, and Caufield’s 50th on the season.

COLE CAUFIELD IS A 50-GOAL SCORER pic.twitter.com/WXR9G2TFyF

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 10, 2026

This is the first time the Canadiens star has scored 50 goals in a single season. And it’s a notable moment for the Habs, as well. Caufield is the first Habs skater since Stephane Richer in 1989-90 to score 50 goals in a single campaign, according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta.

The Canadiens’ No. 13 is also the 13th player to score 50 goals in a season, according to Sportsnet Stats. Caufield joins the likes of Guy Lafleur, Maurice Richard, and Steve Shutt to reach the half-century mark in goals for the Canadiens.

Montreal drafted Caufield in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. The Canadiens star has shown the ability to score at an elite level in the past. In fact, he was on pace to flirt with the 50-goal mark back in 2022-23. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury that ended his season after 46 games.

The Canadiens are tied with the Lightning for second in the Atlantic Division. A win over Tampa Bay would move them into a tie with the Buffalo Sabres for first in the Atlantic. However, the Sabres are currently beating the Columbus Blue Jackets, which would give Buffalo undisputed possession of first place if the result holds.

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