The 10-day break that encompassed the bye week and the All-Star Game came at a perfect time for Rangers rookie center Brett Howden. But his refreshed game lasted just over four minutes of ice time on Tuesday night before he suffered a sprained knee and did not return to what would be a 1-0 loss to the Flyers.
Howden, 20, was set to get a MRI late Wednesday afternoon, but the club is still expecting to deal with his absence for some time.
“It could be a little while,” coach David Quinn said.
The season had started really well for Howden, making the team out of training camp and showing a two-way, responsible game.