Monsieur Prolongation Leads Canadiens to Another Victory
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Cole Caufield emerged as the standout player for the Montreal Canadiens in their recent game against the Seattle Kraken. The matchup, which took place early Wednesday morning, ended in a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory for the Canadiens.
Caufield’s Historic Achievement
Displaying remarkable talent, Cole Caufield secured his 11th game-winning goal in overtime, surpassing Canadian hockey legends Howie Morenz and Max Pacioretty. This accolade has earned him the nickname “Monsieur Prolongation” among teammates.
Game Highlights
Montreal started strong, with Caufield scoring the first goal of the match, along with a crucial assist, wrapping the evening with two goals. His performance allowed him to join elite company, tying for the league lead with nine goals this season alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Jack Hughes, and Pavel Dorofeyev.
Scoring Breakdown
- Cole Caufield: 2 goals, 1 assist
- Nick Suzuki: 3 assists
- Juraj Slafkovsky: 1 goal
- Alex Newhook: 1 goal
- Brandon Montour: 2 goals for Seattle
- Shane Wright: 1 goal for Seattle
Match Progression
After an initial slow start, Caufield capitalized on Nick Suzuki’s aggressive play near the opposition’s net, scoring his eighth goal of the season. Following this, Slafkovsky extended the Canadiens’ lead, making it 2-0 with a well-timed shot.
The second period remained scoreless, with both goalies, Jakub Dobes for Montreal and Joey Daccord for Seattle, successfully blocking five shots each. Notably, Zachary Bolduc from the Canadiens experienced discomfort from a hit but returned for the third period.
Final Stages
The scoring resumed when Alex Newhook capitalized on a power play early in the third period, marking his fourth goal of the season. However, Seattle’s Brandon Montour countered, scoring twice in the final minutes, tying the game and pushing it to overtime.
In overtime, Caufield seized the moment, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability. Coach Martin St-Louis humorously noted, “It’s the perfect situation for the coach,” emphasizing the importance of securing the two points while acknowledging areas for improvement.
Upcoming Challenges
The Canadiens return to Montreal after a successful road trip, winning three out of four games. They will have a brief break before facing the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum and continue their pursuit of success in the NHL.
