Brett Howden, who has missed the past 14 games since sustaining a sprained MCL during the first period of the Blueshirts’ Jan. 29 match against the Flyers, seems ready to rejoin the lineup.
But where and at the expense of whom are decisions David Quinn must make if the 20-year-old freshman (21 at the end of the month) is inserted into Sunday afternoon’s Garden fray against the Capitals.
Does Brendan Smith, the defenseman who has done a credible job playing fourth-line left wing, come out? Does Connor Brickley, who has brought jam to his role as a fourth-line right wing, take a seat?