Canadiens Aim for 8th Straight Win as Caufield Chases 50-Goal Milestone

Published on April 4, 2026 at 11:20 AM – The Montreal Canadiens conclude their five-game road trip tonight with a crucial matchup against the New Jersey Devils. All eyes will be on forward Cole Caufield, who is just one goal away from reaching the coveted 50-goal plateau.

If Caufield scores, he’ll become the first Canadiens player to reach 50 goals since Stéphane Richer in the 1989-90 season. He would join an elite group of Canadiens legends – Guy Lafleur, Steve Shutt, Maurice Richard, Bernard Geoffrion, Pierre Larouche, and Richer – in the 50-goal club.

Caufield: A Teammate First, Superstar Second

Brendan Gallagher spoke highly of Caufield before the game, stating, “What you’ll remember most about him is how excellent a teammate he is. He supports everyone. His ability to put the puck in the net, his talent, make him a big-game player. He scores timely goals at the right moment.”

Gallagher continued, “He’s like a sponge. He’s worked very hard to develop unique ways to score goals and be effective. He’s one of the best goal scorers in the league, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Caufield’s Hot Streak & Canadiens’ Momentum

Caufield has found the back of the net in every game of the Canadiens’ road trip, boasting 27 goals in his last 26 games. He currently leads the NHL with 12 game-winning goals. The team record for game-winners in a season is 13, set in 1978-79.

“I’m like our coach. I focus on team play to help us win. Individual accomplishments are a result of that,” Caufield said after Thursday’s win at Madison Square Garden.

The Canadiens currently sit in 3rd place in the Atlantic Division with 98 points, just two behind the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres. They are aiming for their 8th consecutive win in regulation time. Their recent victories include wins against the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes (twice), Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New York Rangers.

Goaltending Decisions for the Canadiens

Martin St-Louis has yet to announce his starting goaltender for tonight’s game. Jacob Fowler had a strong performance in the last game against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots for his 8th win of the season. Jakub Dobes has also been stellar in his last four starts, with save totals of 43, 26, 35, and 37, earning a win in each game. Dobes boasts a 26-8-4 record this season.

Previous Matchup & Devils’ Struggles

Earlier this season, the Devils won the only previous matchup between the two teams, a 4-3 overtime victory in New Jersey on November 6th. Dobes was in net for the Canadiens in that game and was visibly upset after the loss, his first of the season.

The Devils are having a disappointing season (39-34-2) and will miss the playoffs after qualifying last year as the second seed in the Metropolitan Division with 99 points (42-33-7).

Hughes Heating Up for the Devils

Jack Hughes, who scored the golden goal for the United States against Canada at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, has been on a tear, amassing 23 points in his last 11 games, including a five-point performance against the Washington Capitals on Thursday in a 7-3 victory.

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