{"id":544100,"date":"2026-04-06T17:41:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T17:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/544100\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T17:41:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T17:41:11","slug":"canadiens-coach-flags-cole-caufields-50-goal-chase-impacting-habs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/544100\/","title":{"rendered":"Canadiens coach flags Cole Caufield\u2019s 50 goal chase impacting Habs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Montreal Canadiens<\/a> saw their momentum stall in a 3-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils<\/a> on Sunday, but the spotlight stayed on Cole Caufield and his chase for 50 goals. Entering the NHL<\/a> game with 49, Caufield failed to score despite three shots, extending the wait for a historic milestone.<\/p>\n

Head coach Martin St. Louis admitted the pursuit may be affecting the team\u2019s flow. The team had 18 shots in the game but couldn\u2019t score a single goal. Speaking about which, St. Louis said players are searching too much for Caufield, which is hurting the continuity of plays.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can see that the guys are searching a lot (for Cole Caufield),\u201d Caufield said. \u201cI think it\u2019s affecting the continuity of certain plays. I have a lot of confidence that he\u2019ll score 50 goals. We would\u2019ve loved that tonight for many reasons, so we can move to other things and give that moment to the fans. It would\u2019ve been fun to give them that tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

MORE: Montreal Canadiens get major vote of confidence in Stanley Cup race<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00c9coutez les disponibilit\u00e9s m\u00e9dias suivant le match de ce soir contre le New Jersey<\/p>\n

Tune in now to live postgame media ops following tonight\u2019s game against the Devils#GoHabsGo<\/a>\u00a0 https:\/\/t.co\/HaTy9a8iNh<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 x \u2013 Canadiens Montr\u00e9al (@CanadiensMTL) April 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The coach is confident that Caufield will reach 50 goals, and indeed, if it happens fast, they will focus on their next task, which will be continuing to fix loopholes, if any, before the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Caufield\u2019s season still ranks among the league\u2019s best. He has 49 goals and 85 points in 76 games, leading Montreal\u2019s attack. His goals have carried extra weight, including league-leading totals in go-ahead and game-winning goals. He also remains in the race for the Maurice \u2018Rocket\u2019 Richard Trophy.<\/p>\n

MORE: NHL analyst clears the air on Maple Leafs\u2019 Auston Matthews trade rumors<\/a><\/p>\n

The milestone carries deep meaning in Montreal. No Canadiens player has reached 50 goals since 1990, when Stephane Richer achieved the feat. Caufield now has five games left to end that long wait and join an elite group in franchise history.<\/p>\n

Nick Suzuki spoke about the Habs\u2019 approach towards Cole Caufield\u2019s 50-goal milestone<\/p>\n

\"MontrealMontreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (13) at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Captain Nick Suzuki also talked about Caufield\u2019s milestone and offered a calmer view. He said the team is not forcing plays and continues to trust Caufield\u2019s instincts. <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so. I mean, he\u2019s finding good spots,\u201d Suzuki said. \u201cWe always try to look for him, he\u2019s a great goalscorer. He hit a lot of chances tonight, [but] it just didn\u2019t go in. I don\u2019t think anyone is trying to force anything to happen. I think we just gotta continue to play and it\u2019ll happen for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the loss, Montreal has already secured a playoff spot with a strong 45-22-10 record. The team sits in a tight Atlantic Division race, pushing for home-ice advantage.<\/p>\n

As the postseason nears, the Canadiens must balance history and team play. Caufield\u2019s 50th goal remains close, but maintaining structure may matter more with the playoffs near.<\/p>\n

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