Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
We’ve just learned an incredible piece of information regarding Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield.
Cole Caufield is having an exceptional 43-goal season with the Montreal Canadiens without scoring a single empty-net goal.
The forward is heading toward the 50-goal mark this year, and he still hasn’t scored a single empty-netter.
The race for the Maurice Richard Trophy is shaping up to be thrilling until the end of the regular season, but if Caufield had managed to add a few empty-net goals, it might already be settled in his favour.
And to think analysts strongly doubted his effectiveness at five-on-five just a few years ago.
Right now, the player is silencing his critics with remarkably consistent offensive production. Only 10 of his goals have come on the power play.
Yes, he has been very strong at even strength.
Will Cole Caufield win the Maurice Richard Trophy?
Journalist Anthony Martineau pointed out the most impressive stat regarding the Canadiens’ number 13.
All 43 of Cole Caufield’s goals have been scored against an opposing goaltender.
Even more striking, Caufield has zero empty-net goals since the start of his National Hockey League career.
He has never scored an empty-net goal in his career.
Head coach Martin St-Louis almost never uses him late in games to protect a lead, and while that decision is understandable, it could end up costing Caufield.
Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon already has five empty-net goals among his 45 total.
Goals scored against a goaltender (empty-net goals excluded) this NHL season:
1: Cole Caufield (43)
2: Nathan MacKinnon (40)
Yes, this situation could cost the young Canadiens forward the Maurice Richard Trophy.
Losing the top goal-scorer spot because of empty-net goals would leave a bitter taste for fans.
Cole Caufield, 25, has 43 goals in 68 games this season. The 5-foot-8 forward was a first-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 2019.
Nathan MacKinnon, 30, has 45 goals this season. The 6-foot forward was selected first overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2013.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
3 HOURS AGO|130 ANSWERS
Martin St-Louis’ late-game decisions could cost Cole Caufield the Rocket Richard Trophy
Will Cole Caufield finish the season as the league’s leading goal scorer?