Canadiens' Caufield downplays current playoff spot: '40 more to go'

The Montreal Canadiens have surged into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference thanks to Monday's overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks, but Cole Caufield isn't getting carried away with more than half a season left to play.

"Still got 40 more to go," Caufield said after the win.

The Habs have 42 games remaining but grabbed the second wild-card spot and are now 19-18-3 on the year on the strength of an 8-2-0 run. Montreal erased a 3-1 deficit Monday for its third consecutive win after trailing at the start of the third period.

"I'd say we're learning a little bit," Caufield said of the team's recent growth.

He added, "I think we're learning how to come back in games, and that we're never out of it. Just stop the bleeding when you get a cut. I think we've been progressing pretty well."

The Canadiens entered Monday's contest with a 55.55% expected goals share in their previous nine games while outscoring opponents 25-15 at five-on-five, according to Evolving-Hockey. Montreal's clash with Vancouver was much of the same, as the Habs produced 57.14% of expected goals, 63.89% of scoring chances, and 63.1% of shot attempts.

Montreal sat 15th in the Eastern Conference when its hot streak began Dec. 17. The playoff picture is highly condensed at the moment, as only six points separate the Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres in 16th.

The Habs have finished last in the Atlantic Division each year since reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. The NHL realigned its divisions that year due to the pandemic.