Brett Howden returned to the Rangers lineup Thursday after missing eight games after going on the team’s COVID-19 list March 22. Howden actually cleared protocol last week, but stayed in New York when the team went to Buffalo for two games. He was a healthy scratch on Tuesday, in the first game of the Rangers’ two-game set with Pittsburgh.
With two players – forward Ryan Strome and defenseman Ryan Lindgren – not taking part in the morning skate Thursday, coach David Quinn had some questions about the lineup in the morning. Asked if Howden was set to return to the lineup, though, he said, "We want him back in.