Cole Caufield’s 2 goals too much for Rangers in 3-2 loss to Canadiens

COLE CAUFIELD'S GOT HIS 48TH OF THE SEASON‼️ pic. twitter. com/pWMAFQagn1 — NHL (@NHL) April 3, 2026 The Rangers (31-36-9) lost for the first time in four games, but only after they climbed out of a 2-0 hole in the third period on goals by Adam Fox and Will Cuylle .

It was third time in three games against the Canadiens this season that the Rangers erased a 2-0 deficit. They rallied to win each of the first two meetings, but Caufield didn’t allow that same outcome this time. The low-event and scoreless first period was largely played on even terms.

Though, there was a distinct missed opportunity by the Rangers, who had a four-minute power play when Juraj Slafkovsky was assessed a double-minor for high-sticking Vladislav Gavrikov at 7:21, and failed to score. Cuylle did ring a shot off the post during the power play. And then in the final minute of the period, the Rangers had an excellent chance at even strength, but Canadiens goalie Cam Fowler snuffed out Conor Sheary one-on-one down low.

The Canadiens had a slight 8-7 shots advantage in the opening period, but gradually had their way more often in the second period, when they out-shot the Rangers 11-5 and scored the first two goals of the game. A Sheary turnover in his own end wound up on the stick of Ivan Demidov, leading to the first goal of the night. The rookie quickly zipped a pass to Alex Newhook, who wasted no time wiring his 12th goal past Igor Shesterkin at 4:36.