NEW YORK | Cole Caufield is not afraid of big stages. In his second career game on the ice at Madison Square Garden, the 22-year-old American carried the offense on his shoulders with a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over the Rangers.
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“Yeah, it’s special to play here,” Caufield said. It is the second best building in the NHL after the Bell Centre. It was a very cool experience. We were all looking forward to this game in New York. It is a very beautiful city and a unique amphitheater. »
Caufield beat Igor Shesterkin with a precise shot into the top of the net in the third period after a precise and fast relay from Nick Suzuki.
“It was a big goal for the win,” he said. But there were still just over ten minutes left after this game. We held on. I’m really happy with the whole team and our effort. »
Finally on the road
With this win over the Rangers, one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the Habs put a stop to a nasty seven-game losing streak on the road. The last win was on Dec. 19, a 3-2 overtime win over the Coyotes in Tempe.
“We knew we hadn’t won for a long time,” Caufield said. This victory feels good. We corrected aspects of our game, but we needed the work of the whole team. And Sam [Montembeault] blocked several high-quality scoring chances from Rangers. »
Dach in the center
With Jake Evans and Sean Monahan in the infirmary, Kirby Dach now has the opportunity to reconnect with his natural position, that of center. Used for the last two periods against the Islanders in the center, Dach has once again received the mandate to play in this same position.
He passed the test against Rangers with four shots, but also solid play in his own territory.
The former Blackhawks also scored his 8th goal of the season, beating Shesterkin with a sharp shot on the power play.
“It’s always nice when you play hockey that way,” Dach said. We were playing for each other. We blocked shots, we made the sacrifices and paid attention to detail. »
Martin St-Louis had a smile on his face as he described the number 77 game.
“What we see is encouraging. He can play in many situations. He has a good offensive game, he has a tiring stick, he wins pucks and he is physical. I am very happy with Dach. »
