Cole Caufield Is Becoming the NHL’s Overtime Assassin - And the Canadiens Are Reaping the Rewards
Saturday night in Montreal, with the game hanging in the balance against Ottawa, Cole Caufield did what he’s been doing better than anyone else in the NHL this season - he ended it. In overtime. Again.
With one quick release and a flash of that signature scoring touch, Caufield buried the game-winner to deliver two critical points for the Canadiens. That goal wasn’t just another clutch moment - it was his fourth overtime goal of the season, putting him all alone atop the NHL leaderboard in that category.
In a league where games are increasingly decided in the extra frame, Caufield isn’t just showing up - he’s taking over.
Built for the Moment
Three-on-three overtime is hockey’s version of controlled chaos. It’s fast, wide open, and unforgiving.
There’s no room for hesitation, and every mistake can end the game. It’s the kind of environment that separates the good from the elite - and Caufield is thriving in it.
What makes him so dangerous in OT? It’s a mix of elite hockey IQ, a lightning-quick release, and a knack for finding space where there shouldn’t be any.
He doesn’t just float around looking for the puck - he hunts it. And once it’s on his stick, he doesn’t need a second invitation.
Four overtime goals might not sound like a gaudy number, but in the context of how rare those chances are and how tight OT games tend to be, it’s a big deal. Caufield is converting in the highest-pressure moments, and that’s the kind of value that doesn’t always show up in the box score - but it shows up in the standings.
More Than Just a Sniper
Caufield’s overtime heroics are just one piece of what’s becoming a complete offensive season. Through 49 games, he’s sitting on 24 goals and 24 assists - a clean 48 points - showing a balance in his game that’s taken a major step forward.
He came into the league with the reputation of a pure goal scorer, and for good reason. But this year, he’s expanded his game.
He’s not just finishing plays - he’s starting them, too. He’s drawing defenders, creating space for linemates, and making reads that force defenses to respect more than just his shot.
And here’s the thing: he’s doing it against top pairings, night in and night out. He’s not hiding from tough matchups - he’s producing through them. That’s the mark of a player who’s not just talented, but dependable.
Trust in the Clutch
You don’t earn overtime minutes in the NHL - you earn trust. And head coach Martin St. Louis has made it clear: when the game is on the line, Caufield is one of the first guys over the boards.
That kind of trust doesn’t come from highlight-reel goals. It comes from consistency, work ethic, and a mindset that doesn’t blink when the lights are brightest.
Caufield doesn’t just want the puck in big moments - he expects it. And his teammates know it, too.
When overtime starts, there’s a shift in the building. The fans feel it.
The bench feels it. And Caufield?
He’s already locked in. It doesn’t matter if he’s been quiet or dominant for the first 60 minutes - when OT hits, he’s in attack mode.
Two Points That Matter
In a crowded Atlantic Division, every point is gold. And Caufield’s overtime magic is directly impacting the standings. Saturday’s win over Ottawa wasn’t just a nice moment - it was a critical swing in a playoff race that’s going to come down to the wire.
These are the kinds of games that define a season. The ones where no one can break through in regulation, and it takes a special player to tilt the ice in overtime. Caufield’s doing that - and doing it often.
It’s not just about the goal. It’s about when it happens. And Caufield is showing he has the timing, the poise, and the killer instinct to be the difference between one point and two.
Just Getting Started
Here’s the scary part for the rest of the league: Caufield is only 25. He’s already leading the NHL in overtime goals and producing at nearly a point-per-game clip - and none of it feels like a hot streak.
This isn’t smoke and mirrors. This is a player with elite tools who’s figuring out how to use them in every situation. The goals aren’t flukes - they’re the result of instinct, preparation, and a confidence that’s only growing.
Saturday night was just the latest example. The puck found him, and the game ended.
Bell Centre erupted. And across the league, coaches and defenders took note: give Caufield an inch in overtime, and it’s game over.
Montreal has a closer. And he’s only getting better.