Cole Caufield scores 200th point

Cole Caufield scored the 200th point of his NHL career, doing so in 263 games - with an assist on captain Nick Suzuki's power play marker (16th goal).

It's kind of crazy to think about, but the Stanley Cup finals run in 2020-21 was during Caufield's rookie campaign. Caufield has since become a pillar for the Habs offence, and just the third player from the 2019 draft to score 200 points (Jack Hughes, and Matt Boldy are the other two). The former 2019 first round selection is already a veteran of 263 games.

Caufield didn't reach the milestone with his patented quick release, which would have tied him for his career-best in goals (28). Instead, it came off a quick poke pass to Laine on the half-wall. I think it's rather poetic that the point came on his best buddy Suzuki's goal.

The play displayed Caufield's poise, and attention to detail for playmaking - scanning and making a quick decision. Without Hutson's play at the blueline, the play never happens, but Caufield's poke to get Laine the puck was brilliant. Caufield is on pace to score fewer assists this year (33) than last (37), but he is pacing to score a new career high for goals (39) and points (72).

I think the snub from the American Four Nations roster might have something to do with it, but since the break ended, Caufield has looked dangerous every shift. It feels like he is using the snub as a bit of inspiration to show American management that he belongs the next time around. USA played a heavy game, but Caufield would have made a huge impact on the power play, especially with bigger linemates.

Caufield has shown that he is an impactful player on both sides of the puck, and his off-puck game is as impressive as his game with the puck. He finds soft ice and gets lost behind defences before slipping into openings for scoring opportunities. Positionally he is so smart, he knows how to play to his strengths and get in and out of small areas quickly, often with the puck still on his stick.

I'm not sure if the Habs can climb back into a playoff spot, and clinch a berth. But I can say with confidence that if they do, the team will lean heavily on Caufield and his goalscoring. I expect that he isn't close to his ceiling, in terms of goals in a season.

Cause for concern with Josh Anderson

Josh Anderson collided hard behind Frederik Andersen's net in the third period, and his face bounced off the glass. It didn't look great at all, and if you know the speed that Anderson creates, he wasn't likely moving very slowly in the lead-up to the glass. Anderson has been playing well, and finding his game, playing to his strengths, so losing him for any stretch will hurt the team.

Anderson has been playing his best hockey, but the bump into the glass is only going to further challenge the player who hasn't been at 100%. It's not great to see a guy who does so much physically, and one the forecheck go down like that. Anderson is an important player for the Canadiens, especially when playoff conversations come up.

There is no update on Anderson's status, but hopefully it looked scarier than what it actually has.