Two former Wisconsin Badgers, K’Andre Miller and Cole Caufield, are on the brink of NHL history as they vie for a chance to win the Stanley Cup. Their teams, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens, face each other in the Eastern Conference Final.
Caufield and Miller Face Off in NHL Eastern Conference Final
The series begins this Thursday in Carolina. It will be broadcasted on TNT and available for streaming on HBO Max. Miller is a defenseman for the Hurricanes, while Caufield is a forward for the Canadiens, who had an impressive season, ranking second in the league with 51 goals.
Series Background
The journey to the conference final has been notably different for both players. The Hurricanes dominated their earlier rounds, securing a 4-0 sweep against both Ottawa and Philadelphia. This marks the longest break in NHL history, with an 11-day pause before the conference final.
Conversely, Caufield’s Canadiens fought through two Game 7 matches, narrowly defeating both Tampa Bay and Buffalo to earn their spot in the final.
Player Performance in the Playoffs
- K’Andre Miller: 6 points (all assists), ranking 11th among defensemen in the playoffs.
- Cole Caufield: 4 goals and 9 points, ranking 14th in goals and 24th in overall points.
Both players are aiming to become part of an elite group of Wisconsin men’s hockey players to have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup.
Other Former Badgers in Playoffs
In the American Hockey League (AHL), former Badger Cameron Hughes has led with six points in the Calder Cup playoffs. He is currently tied for 23rd in league scoring.
- Cameron Hughes: 1 goal, 5 assists in 5 games.
- Corson Ceulemans: 1 goal, 3 points in 7 games for the Cleveland Monsters.
- Tyson Jugnauth: 4 assists in 12 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Continued Competition in the ECHL
Three former Badgers are still competing in the ECHL playoffs for the Kelly Cup.
- Matthieu De St. Phalle: 3 goals, 7 points in 12 games with Wheeling Nailers.
- Zach Urdahl: 5 goals, 8 points for Wheeling Nailers.
- Sam Stange: Scored 1 goal in 7 games with the Florida Everblades.
The stage is set for an exciting series as Miller and Caufield battle for their chance at hockey’s ultimate prize. The performance of both players will not only impact their teams but also contribute to the legacy of Wisconsin men’s hockey in the NHL.
