Caufield becomes Habs' 1st 50-goal scorer in 36 years
Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield notched his 50th goal of the season Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first Hab to hit the mark since Stephane Richer in 1989-90.
HE HAS DONE IT. COLE CAUFIELD SCORES HIS 50TH GOAL OF THE SEASON!!! 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/B217BPH7Bc
— NHL (@NHL) April 10, 2026
Caufield is only the seventh player in the Canadiens' storied history to score 50 in a season, joining Richer (twice), Pierre Larouche, Guy Lafleur (six times), Steve Shutt, Bernie Geoffrion, and Maurice Richard.
The milestone marker came in a crucial contest for the Canadiens, who leapfrogged the Lightning for second in the Atlantic Division after a 2-1 win. Caufield was named first star of the game and received a raucous ovation from the home crowd.
A lengthy standing ovation in Montreal as Cole Caufield is announced as the first star of the game! pic.twitter.com/ge40KcasIW
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 10, 2026
Caufield has been a key reason for the Canadiens' step forward this season. He leads the NHL with 12 game-winning goals, and none of his 50 tallies have been empty-netters.
Caufield is now one goal back of Nathan MacKinnon in the "Rocket" Richard race.