Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield found himself in the spotlight on Tuesday night. The Canadiens currently sit third in the Atlantic Division, wrapping up an emotional 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Following the win, Montreal added an extra layer to the moment by sending a subtle message to Team USA. The Canadiens highlighted Caufield’s omission from the Milan Olympics roster in the subtlest way, drawing attention across the hockey world.
Canadiens Take a Playful Jab After Cole Caufield’s Game-Winner
Caufield delivered the decisive moment against Minnesota. He scored the game-winning goal with just 15 seconds remaining. Shortly after, the Canadiens’ official X account shared a video of the goal and tagged Team USA’s handle, a move widely interpreted as a playful jab at Team USA general manager and Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin for leaving Caufield off the roster.
It didn’t take all too long for the post to go viral.
When Caufield was asked about the tweet, he said, “Yeah, I don’t know about that.”
Montreal is, of course, a Canadian team, and Caufield’s absence could arguably boost Canada’s chances at the Olympics. But the post was clearly meant in good humor, just as noticeable as his snub has been.
Caufield wasn’t the only Canadiens player left off Team USA’s roster. Second-year defenseman Lane Hutson, who recorded a goal and an assist in the game, was also overlooked.
Asked about the Canadiens’ social media post, Hutson laughed. “Oh, that’s pretty funny,” he said. He also made his peace with the challenges facing Team USA GM Bill Guerin. “He has the hardest job ever,” Hutson said.
How the Canadiens Vs. Wild Game Unfolded
Minnesota got the opening when Vladimir Tarasenko scored on a power-play goal at 10:44 of the first period. Montreal leveled the proceedings at 15:22. Phillip Danault buried the rebound of Kaiden Guhle’s point shot to tie the game 1-1.
Late in the period, Alex Carrier took the lead for Montreal. Minnesota responded in the middle of the second period, tying the game 2-2 with Brock Faber’s goal. The Canadiens regained the lead at 12:35 when Hutson fired a one-timer from the right faceoff circle off a pass from Ivan Demidov, making it 3-2.
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Tarasenko leveled it at 12:40 of the third period on the power play. Caufield’s late winner ultimately sealed the victory and sparked the Canadiens’ playful message to Team USA.
