Brett Howden conceded it was difficult falling asleep Wednesday night, knowing that he’d be making his NHL debut in 24 hours. But once he was asleep, he said, he slept well. And the optional game day skate at Madison Square Garden in the morning was a good thing.
“It’s nice to get out there and just kind of get some time off your hands,’’ he said after the skate. “I’m sure as the day goes along I’ll get a lot more anxious.’’
Howden’s parents, Sheldon and Crystal, made the trip from Winnipeg to see his debut. They arrived Wednesday evening, in time to have dinner with their son.