They came from near and far to watch Cole Caufield on Saturday night — and the Canadiens’ sniper didn’t disappoint.
Caufield produced two assists in Montreal’s heart-stopping 4-3 shootout win against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.
What’s that? You were hoping to see ? Perhaps you missed the Hidden Game’s request last Thursday that Caufield wait until the Canadiens return to the Bell Centre to accomplish the feat at home. Glad he listened.
It wasn’t for a lack of trying. Caufield produced a team-high five shots while playing 22:15. He came close on his first shift of the game, and again in the third period, when he made a nice move around defenceman Simon Nemec. And Caufield got warmed up — as if he had to — by scoring in the shootout, when it counted for the team, but not individually.
The Canadiens’ next four games are at home. We’re guessing the 50th comes Sunday night, when the Canadiens and Devils meet again. Everything happens for a reason. You can thank us later.
Highlight of the night: Jakub Dobes will score a goal before his career ends. Count on it. But he might want to wait until the opposition pulls its goaltender before making the attempt. If stopping 36 New Jersey shots wasn’t enough, Dobes had a pair of brain cramps — albeit entertaining ones — in overtime. He wandered far into his corner to retrieve the puck, and nearly committed a costly turnover. Seconds later, for an encore, he played the puck again. It deflected off the Devils’ Nico Hischier and nearly into the empty net. This is why Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has grey hair — soon to be followed by goalie coach Marco Marciano.
News you need (Part I): This incredible win streak continues. Montreal has won eight straight and was a perfect 5-0 on this nine-day road trip. This equals the Canadiens’ longest win streak since Oct. 18-Nov. 2, 2016. It’s also the Canadiens’ first 100-point season since 2016-17. With the victory, Montreal (45-21-10) moved into second place in the Atlantic Division, tied with Buffalo, but holding a game in hand. Montreal also is only two points behind division-leading Tampa Bay — with the Lightning coming to town Thursday night. This is starting to get interesting.
He exists: Samuel Montembeault, who hasn’t played since March 6, and failed to dress the last 12 games, was on the bench, backing up Dobes. That likely means Jacob Fowler starts Sunday night in the rematch. We’re also guessing he returned early to Montreal to get a good night’s sleep?
News you need (Part II): This was Dobes’ fifth consecutive win. His record improved to 27-8-4. Can the Calder Trophy be far behind?
News you need (Part III): The Canadiens hadn’t defeated New Jersey in two years and had only four wins, dating back to 2018. The Devils had been 15-3-1 vs. Montreal.
Strange, but true: This was Caufield’s 12th career game against New Jersey — yet he has been held to a modest three goals.
Milestone: Defenceman Mike Matheson was playing his 700th career game.
Best goal scored off one knee: , from the left-wing circle, high under the crossbar, nearly 16 minutes into the game. It was the defenceman’s second goal in six games.
The worst lead in hockey: The Canadiens appeared to be on cruise control halfway through this contest after taking a 3-0 lead. And yet, the game went to overtime and a shootout. This is also why St. Louis has grey hair.
One he’d like back: Dobes didn’t look good on New Jersey’s first goal, scored by Dawson Mercer from a sharp angle.
Which team had the man-advantage?: Slightly more than 15 minutes into the second period, Brenden Dillon took a double high-sticking minor after clipping Zachary Bolduc. The Devils subsequently enjoyed a pair of two-on-one breaks, scoring a shorthanded goal on the second attempt, and providing the home team with a life.
If that wasn’t bad enough: On that goal, scored by Jack Hughes, Bolduc created a turnover by attempting a long pass from end-to-end to Caufield. Bolduc then stopped skating, and forgot to cover Hughes, who scored into the empty net. Other than that, no mistakes were made.
Pass of the night: Hughes’ drop-pass to Timo Meier on the tying goal, scored with 2:15 remaining in regulation.
Memo to the Canadiens’ head coach: We’re not sure why St. Louis keeps tabbing Nick Suzuki in the shootout. Suzuki has failed to score in his last 17 shootout attempts. His last shootout goal came on Dec. 13, 2023.
Sieve of the night: Jake Allen, the former Canadien, was beaten on the 12th and 14th shots he faced. He allowed two goals in a span of 76 seconds. He then was beaten on three of five shootout attempts. His save percentage was .857.
Next time, decline the penalty: The Canadiens went 1-for-5 on the power play.
Quick stats: Brendan Gallagher had four shots and two hits — despite playing only 9:48. Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov, who scored the Canadiens’ second goal, both had four shots. Struble and Kaiden Guhle both had three hits. Arber Xhekaj had two hits despite only 10:00 of ice time. Dobes’ save percentage was .921. Lane Hutson, who scored the third goal, played an incredible 29:47. Matheson played 24:01. The Canadiens won 42.4 per cent of their faceoffs and were outhit 17-16.
They said it: “I think we’re a good team,” St. Louis told the media in Newark, N.J. “It’s not because you’re a good team that it’s going to be perfect all the time. It’s not because you’re a good team that you’re not going to slip in some areas. Tonight wasn’t our best, but we found a way.”
“I tried to help the guys to get up the ice or get possession. I feel that’s a key part for our skilled group,” Dobes, who addressed the media for a second consecutive game, said of his overtime forays. “I tried to help the team to win. I felt that was the right call. I just went crazy.”
“Why stop now?” Hutson said. “We’re going to continue to build our game, put ourselves in a good spot going into the playoffs. We have a good opportunity to do that. It’s going to be a battle to the end. It’s nice to string together quite a few wins. Sometimes you get the bounces when you take care of your habits. It’s nice to get rewarded.”
“I’m proud of the guys,” Suzuki said. “I’m excited to get home. I’m sure (Sunday) is going to be pretty crazy.”
