Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden is in stable condition after leaving Thursday night’s game on a stretcher against the Nashville Predators.
During the first period, Howden and Predators’ Filip Forsberg were both trying to secure the puck but the former lost his footing, leaving him in a vulnerable position.
Stretcher out for Brett Howden after scary collision into the boards after a hit by Filip Forsberg. Hope he’ll be okay. #VegasBorn #Preds pic.twitter.com/7OxJxLMDJN
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) March 25, 2022
In the video posted on Twitter, Forsberg loses balance as he’s trying to make a play but his momentum carries him into Howden, who then goes headfirst into the boards.
Forsberg immediately went back to check on Howden, as emergency officials rushed the ice and tended to the center player.
Luckily, the 23-year-old appeared to be responsive following the collision and was put on a stretcher. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of any possible injuries.
“We just hope he’s okay,” Predators captain Roman Josi told reporters. “It’s a player’s health. That’s the most important thing. It was definitely shocking. We just hope he’s going to be ok and can recover quickly.”
Golden Knights head coach Pete DeBoer gave an update after the game and said that the former New York Ranger has regained “full movement.” Howden also managed to avoid injuries to his neck and spine.
Officials did not penalize Forsberg on the play but some people on social media are complaining about the lack thereof, calling the move “Typical Nashville.”
“Someone please tell me how that was not a penalty?” asked one user, while another one called the play “dirty.”
However, one user came into Forsberg’s defense and said that “he didn’t intentionally try to f— injure Howden” as “it was the cleanest hit [in] the most awkward way possible.”
Meanwhile, Preds fans chimed in to support Howden and wished him a full recovery as soon as possible.
“Praying for Howden’s full recovery from this Preds fan,” one user tweeted, followed by a praying hands emoji.
“THIS is what hockey is. Respect. From a hockey lover, Pens,” said another in response to the supportive tweet.
Howden is currently in his first season playing for the Golden Knights, where he tallied 20 points through 46 games. He was with the Rangers for three years at the start of his NHL career until he was traded last July.
