Canucks’ Miller leaves game vs. Islanders with apparent lower-body injury; will not return

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller sustained an apparent lower-body injury when he was barrelled into by teammate Jannik Hansen early in the second period of Sunday night’s game against the New York Islanders. 

Miller was in apparent pain immediately, but gamely made one more stop before the referees blew the whistle. After remaining prone on the ice while being attended to by team doctors for a couple of minutes, Miller left the ice slowly, but under his own power. He was replaced by Eddie Lack.

You can see a .gif of the play here, via SB Nation:

(Courtesy: MSG)

Miller was pitching a shutout at the time of his injury, and was especially impressive in helping the Canucks withstand an early barrage of odd-man rushes. 

UPDATE: Miller has what the Canucks are describing as a “lower-body injury” and will not return to Sunday’s contest. 

Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy has the update:

We can expect Jacob Markstrom to be recalled while Miller’s injured. 

Based on my reading of the collective bargaining agreement (article 13.5(ii)), because Markstrom has already cleared waivers this season he can be recalled on an emergency basis and be with the team for nine games  the duration of Miller’s injury without having to clear waivers once again when he’s reassigned to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League.