Cole Caufield with the Canadiens (Via Getty Images) The Montreal Canadiens snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on Tuesday night in dramatic fashion. Cole Caufield scored with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation to lift Montreal to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Bell Centre.The dramatic winner gave the Canadiens their third and final lead of the evening. Caufield’s heroics continued his remarkable track record of delivering in clutch moments throughout his young career. He also entered a very exclusive club with his latest goal and joined other all-time greats.
Cole Caufield’s last-second goal saves Montreal Canadiens from overtime
Caufield positioned himself at the top of the right faceoff circle as the Canadiens desperately searched for the game-tying goal. Nick Suzuki found him with a perfect pass that the winger one-timed past Jesper Wallstedt’s glove before the goaltender could react.The goal completed Montreal’s comeback and sent the Bell Centre crowd into a frenzy. The Canadiens had battled back multiple times throughout the game before finally breaking through in the dying seconds.”We just found a way to keep the puck alive, and luckily it went in,” Caufield said modestly after the game. “That’s why you play the full 60 or 65, whatever it is. They all count the same, but it feels good to get two points tonight.”The dramatic goal represented Caufield’s 21st game-winning goal in the third period or overtime since his NHL debut in 2020-21. That total puts the 24-year-old in elite company among the league’s most clutch performers.Only four players have scored more such goals over that span. Leon Draisaitl and Sebastian Aho lead the way with 28 apiece, while Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos have each recorded 23.For Caufield to rank fifth on that list at his age speaks volumes about his ability to deliver when games hang in the balance. The former first-round pick has developed a reputation as a clutch scorer who thrives under pressure.The victory also marked the return of forward Kirby Dach to the Canadiens’ lineup. The 24-year-old played 16:46 in his first game since breaking his foot on November 15.Dach registered two shots on goal while shaking off the rust after missing nearly two months of action. His return would finally give the Canadiens a reliable name in the 2C position as the franchise continues to battle through an extremely competitive Atlantic Division.With both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings giving Montreal a run for its money, Dach’s return has given head coach Martin St. Louis another possible choice for his top six.