The Montreal Canadiens didn't make it this far without their young stars on the roster. One that took over the spotlight was Cole Caufield, as he scored 51 goals, which is the most a Canadiens player has scored in a single-season since Stephane Richer did so in the 1989-90 campaign. But in the playoffs, the goals haven't arrived in abundance for Caufield.
In their opening round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Caufield scored just one goal. On Wednesday night, the Canadiens lost 4-2 to the Buffalo Sabres in Game 1. Caufield didn't factor into the scoresheet at all, having just two shots on goal. Now the spotlight continues to shine on Caufield, but because his scoring drought continued, he looked frustrated on the bench.
After the game, linemate and Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki came to Caufield's defense, saying that it will only be a matter of time until he puts a puck in the back of the net.
Nick Suzuki believes Cole Caufield's goal drought will end eventually
“He’s been playing hard,” Suzuki said, h/t The Athletic's Arpon Basu. “I don’t think he’s too frustrated. Obviously, there are moments in the game you get frustrated with yourself, but I thought he’s done a good job of just continuing to play.
“He’s a really good player and he’ll find his moment to score for sure.”
Suzuki doesn't seem too worried about Caufield, even though the statistics are concerning.
It's no secret that Montreal's top line has struggled in these playoffs, particularly on even strength. For Caufield, he has nine total shots on goal through eight playoff games. The production on those nine shots? Zero goals and zero assists.
Cole Caufield at even-strength these playoffs:
— Drew Livingstone (@ProducerDrew_) May 7, 2026
0 GOALS
O ASSISTS
9 SHOTS
Not good enough from the 50-goal scorer #GoHabsgo
Canadiens fans would certainly like more from their top goal scorer in these playoffs, but they have gotten this far with him having just one goal and two assists. Once he does get going, the Canadiens will have a much easier time winning games, and won't have to resort to one-goal victories like he did in the first round against the Lightning.
It's only one game into the Buffalo series, so there isn't necessarily a need for fans to be doom and gloom. They could potentially turn things around for Game 2 on Friday night. Maybe, that is when Caufield ends his goal drought.
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