NHL: Cole Caufield reinvigorated; Laurent Dauphin wants to seize his chance at the reinvigorated Montreal Canadiens Cole Caufield; Laurent Dauphin wants to seize his chance

 NHL: Cole Caufield reinvigorated;  Laurent Dauphin wants to seize his chance at the reinvigorated Montreal Canadiens Cole Caufield;  Laurent Dauphin wants to seize his chance

SPECIAL COLLABORATION LNH : Cole Caufield revigoré; Laurent Dauphin veut saisir sa chance chez le Canadien de Montréal Cole Caufield revigoré; Laurent Dauphin veut saisir sa chance LNH : Cole Caufield revigoré; Laurent Dauphin veut saisir sa chance chez le Canadien de Montréal Cole Caufield revigoré; Laurent Dauphin veut saisir sa chance

With a record of 7-21-3, Montreal is one of only 4 clubs that have yet to achieve 10 wins this season. The CH are also ravaged by injuries, while Nick Suzuki, Artturi Lehkonen, Ben Chiarot, and David Savard are the only players who have played in each of the 31 games. Barring a miracle at the St. Louis Blues in 2019, it's time to put an end to the season and look to the future.

The numerous injuries have forced Dominique Ducharme to constantly juggle his line-up, which obviously does not help his cause. On the other hand, all these absentees also offer opportunities for certain players to prove themselves and show that they have what it takes for bigger roles, even when the club is healthy. Whether it's prospects or veterans of the American League, a few members of the CH shine in these difficult times, starting with one of the most promising young people in the organization, who is enjoying a good streak after a start to the season. difficult.

A reinvigorated Cole Caufield

After a stint in Laval earlier this season, Cole Caufield returned to the roster and continued to struggle. Yet a natural scorer, he is still looking for his second goal of the year. His playing often seemed too timid. He couldn't use his lightning shot and disappeared too often.

LNH : Cole Caufield revigoré; Laurent Dauphin veut saisir sa chance chez le Canadien de Montréal Cole Caufield revigoré; Laurent Dauphin veut saisir sa chance

This is no longer the case in the last three games of the Canadian.

Now playing alongside Ryan Poehling and Artturi Lehkonen, Caufield appears to have regained the energy that made him one of the club's most exciting players last year.

Although he didn't find the back of the net, it wasn't for lack of trying, as he got 10 chances to score, overtaking Lehkonen in 2nd. But even more impressive than his shooting volume in my opinion is the energy he now displays in the offensive zone. He is doing a great job of keeping CH's offensive possessions alive with 32 loose pucks recovered in opposing territory, which is easily the best mark in the organization over the last three games, far ahead of Mike Hoffman in 2nd place. with 21 and far ahead of his average of 5.5 per game obtained in his first 20 games of the year. Definitely very encouraging signs for the young American.

The trio he completes with Poehling and Lehkonen is also CH's best in the last three games. They absolutely dominated their competition, with four times more scoring chances earned than allowed when splitting the ice at even strength.

The trio gets 86.3% of expected goals when sharing the ice, which is absolutely huge. Expected goals measure the quantity and quality of shots taken and estimate how many goals that shot profile would be worth on average. A bit like a +/- differential, but which takes into account all shots rather than just goals to determine the quality of offensive play, regardless of the result.

In short, the CH dominated when this trio was on the ice in the last three meetings. They haven't found the back of the net yet and allowed Brian Boyle a goal, but they're definitely playing the right way.

Laurent Dauphin does not miss his chance

Another player who has impressed many since joining the lineup is Laurent Dauphin. The 26-year-old Quebecer has spent the last three seasons in the American League, including two with the Laval Rocket, and he had only 35 games of NHL experience since being drafted by the Coyotes in 2013 He had made a good impression during training camp but failed to break through at the big club. Injuries eventually forced the organization's hand and Dauphin didn't waste his chance.

He brings a lot of energy to a club that is too often lacking this year, but he is also capable of doing his part offensively. Dauphin has scored three points in five games since being recalled, second to Jonathan Drouin in that span. He is 5th among the club's forwards in playing time with 15:58 and he makes every minute played count.

Dauphin attacks the net as soon as he has the opportunity, with 5 shots from the bottom of the slot, a mark that has led the formation since he has been in the lineup. He is also active defensively, leading the CH attackers in harpooned pucks and blocked shots.

His successes have particularly come alongside Jonathan Drouin and Jesse Ylonen, another player who gets a chance due to numerous absentees. Like Poehling's trio mentioned above, they have a clear advantage over the opposition when present, with nearly 70% of expected goals going in their favor. The trio attempted 7 shots from the bottom of the crease and allowed just three. The three players also each got an even-strength goal when they shared the ice.

Dauphin will never be a top player, but he proves he can definitely earn a spot on the 3rd or 4th line and be a quality contributor to Montreal, which could easily earn him another contract this summer, when he will be an unrestricted free agent.

Also to read