Canadiens' Caufield Closing in on 50-Goal Milestone

Canadiens star winger one goal away from joining elite company

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:41pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a hockey player scoring a goal, conveying the excitement and significance of Cole Caufield's quest to reach the 50-goal mark.Caufield's pursuit of the 50-goal milestone showcases his explosive scoring prowess and the Canadiens' playoff push.Chicago Today

Montreal Canadiens star winger Cole Caufield is just one goal away from reaching the 50-goal mark this NHL season, a feat only accomplished by Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon so far this year. Caufield has been on a tear, scoring in 55% of games against bottom-10 defensive teams, and he'll look to reach the milestone against a struggling Florida Panthers squad that has allowed the second-most high-danger chances over the past 10 games.

Why it matters

Caufield's pursuit of the 50-goal milestone is a significant individual accomplishment that would cement his status as one of the league's elite young talents. Reaching this mark would also boost the Canadiens' playoff hopes as they look to secure a postseason berth.

The details

Caufield has been red-hot of late, scoring in four of his last seven games against the Panthers. The 22-year-old winger has been a dominant force all season, using his elite scoring touch and playmaking ability to terrorize opposing defenses. With the Panthers struggling defensively, Caufield should have ample opportunities to find the back of the net and join MacKinnon as the only 50-goal scorers this season.

  • Caufield has scored in four of his past seven games against the Panthers.
  • The Canadiens host the Panthers on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Cole Caufield

A 22-year-old winger for the Montreal Canadiens who is one goal away from reaching the 50-goal milestone this NHL season, a feat only accomplished by Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon so far.

Nathan MacKinnon

The Colorado Avalanche center who is the only other player to reach 50 goals this NHL season.

Juraj Slafkovsky

A Canadiens winger who skates on Caufield's opposite wing at 5-on-5 and is also a mainstay on the top power play unit, making him a threat to produce each night.

Lane Hutson

One of the best playmaking defensemen in the sport, who should be able to pick apart the vulnerable Panthers defense with his precision passing.

Florida Panthers

The struggling NHL team that has allowed the second-most high-danger chances over the past 10 games, creating a favorable matchup for Caufield to reach the 50-goal milestone.

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What’s next

If Caufield scores his 50th goal against the Panthers, he will join Nathan MacKinnon as the only players to reach that milestone this NHL season.

The takeaway

Caufield's pursuit of the 50-goal mark is a significant individual accomplishment that showcases his elite scoring ability and cements his status as one of the league's top young talents. The Canadiens will be hoping he can reach this milestone and help boost their playoff chances as they look to secure a postseason berth.