The Montreal Canadiens visit the New York Rangers on Thursday night to extend their late-season winning streak to seven games.
It was a fairly low-event game at first, but it picked up momentum over time and the Canadiens eventually emerged with a 3–2 victory.
As is tradition, Habs sniper Cole Caufield made his mark with two goals, taking his season tally to 49.
Let's look at the highlights!
slow and steady
There were very few high-risk scoring chances in the first period, with the teams preferring to introduce a tentative style of play. It wasn't until the second period that Alex Newhook broke the ice, providing further evidence that his presence on the second row has done wonders for the entire top six.
Rookie Ivan Demidov recorded his 43rd assist of the year, a continuation of his underrated rookie season in the NHL.
Ivan Demidov founded Alex Newhook. 1-0 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Vv9Ginue4W
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 3 April 2026
mr every night
Moments later, Cole Caulfield did the same, scoring his 48th goal in the process. As usual, Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkowski both participated in the scoring play, with the latter providing a typical assist to his linemate.
With seven games left in the regular season, Caufield's chances of reaching the impressive 50-goal mark continue to improve.
Cole Caulfield now has 48 goals!
A great assist by Slafkowski on this play. #GoHabsGo Up 2-0. pic.twitter.com/kgZz94yWOd
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 3 April 2026
protective shield
While it's fair to say that rookie netminder Jacob Fowler performed well, it's also important to note that the Canadiens did a very good job of minimizing high-danger scoring opportunities by the Rangers.
They limited New York to only three high-danger chances at 5v5 in the first 40 minutes of the game, one of their best defensive efforts of the season. There's something to be said about the level of competition on Thursday nights, but the Habs have a tendency to underestimate their opponents, making their defensive armor an important step forward as they prepare for the rigors of the playoffs.
a brilliant leg save
kick save and a beauty#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/TRk546kqj5
- Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) 3 April 2026
Second
The Rangers tied the game in the third period, which was the perfect setup for Caufield's 49th goal of the year, which resulted from a spectacular individual effort.
The Canadiens had just won a defensive draw, which shows how quickly Caufield can make his presence felt on offense.
With this goal, Caulfield won 3-2.
49 goals for Cole Coffield!
Just seconds after a defensive zone draw, Caufield scored the go-ahead goal. #GoHabSGo pic.twitter.com/d6h6ZJhYB3
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 3 April 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Thursday facing the New Jersey Devils. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.
