Canadiens Extend Winning Streak to Seven, Defeat Rangers 3-2
NEW YORK – Cole Caufield scored his 48th and 49th goals of the season as the Montreal Canadiens continued their impressive run, defeating the New York Rangers 3-2 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, April 2, 2026. This victory marks the Canadiens’ seventh consecutive win, bolstering their playoff aspirations.
Caufield’s Historic Season
With his two goals, Caufield is now just one goal away from becoming the first Canadiens player to reach 50 goals in a season since Stéphane Richer scored 51 in the 1989-90 season. He has netted 28 goals in his last 27 games and currently trails Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche by a single goal for the NHL lead. Caufield also boasts 26 road goals this season, the second-most by a Canadiens player since Guy Lafleur recorded 33 in 1976-77. NHL.com
Game Recap
The Canadiens took a 2-0 lead midway through the third period, but the Rangers battled back to tie the game at 2-2. Caufield’s game-winning goal, scored at 14:55 of the third period, sealed the victory for Montreal. Alex Newhook also contributed a goal for the Canadiens.
Jacob Fowler made 22 saves for Montreal, while Igor Shesterkin stopped 22 shots for the Rangers. Adam Fox and Will Cuylle scored for New York. AP News
Playoff Implications
The Canadiens (44-21-10) remain in third place in the Atlantic Division, two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres, who are tied for first with 100 points each. Montreal has played one fewer game than Buffalo. The Rangers (31-36-9) were eliminated from playoff contention on March 25. NHL.com
What They Said
“He’s on a tremendous heater right now,” Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki said of Caufield. “Playing the right way, doing the right things and getting rewarded for it.” NHL.com
Caufield expressed his enjoyment of the pressure that comes with playing on the top line during a playoff push, stating, “It means you’re putting yourself in a good situation.” NHL.com
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