Cole Caufield put in work against the Edmonton Oilers

The Montreal Canadiens have had two consecutive strong games, and they have seemingly turned a corner.

One of their top players, Cole Caufield has not only been scoring goals right there with the league leaders, but he has been an all-around effective presence. On Monday night against the Edmonton Oilers, Caufield victimized Leon Draisaitl several times. You don’t often think of No.13 as a tough battle along the boards, but he got the upper hand against Draisaitl. 

But even more than that, Caufield was engaged all night, creating chances all over the offensive zone. But he was also involved on the defensive side of the puck and on the forecheck he battled hard to force turnovers. It’s a promising sign when the smallest player on the team, one of their top goal-scorers; is involved because it shows how much his game has improved. 

While he hasn’t been playing on the top line, he has still done plenty of work to improve his game and stay involved. Although he didn’t score against the Oilers, he set up Kaiden Guhle’s tally, the second of the night. He finished the night as a plus one, with one shot, one hit and one shot block. 

Caufield has balanced the top-six

I want nothing other than to see Caufield back on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky. But truthfully, he has given the Canadiens offense a different look; adding some excitement to the second line. The linemates aren’t ideal - Jake Evans and Alex Newhook, but they’ll have to do for now. 

Once Patrik Laine returns, I would imagine that Martin St. Louis will put the lines back through the blender. And, in my opinion, the Canadiens will be short just one piece to round out the top six truly. Caufield has done a tremendous job, but it’s not his job to provide all of the offence on the second line.

I think the top line we have been accustomed to, is the one that makes the most sense to roll forward with. Then Kirby Dach on one wing and Laine on the other, with Evans down the middle could be a fun trio to watch on the second line. This won’t be a long-term thing, simply just a quick fix until Ivan Demidov and/or Michael Hage join the Habs. 

So, while Caufield’s brilliant play has helped the second line, when he eventually goes back to the top line; the Canadiens will benefit an awful lot from him playing with equally talented players.