The loss of Ryan Miller could be an opportunity for the Vancouver Canucks’ backup goaltenders.
Miller left Sunday night’s 4-0 victory over the New York Islanders with an apparent leg injury sustained early in the second period.
Hobbling after the game, Miller has been returned to Vancouver and will undergo an MRI Monday, general manager Jim Benning told reporters in Boston, where the Canucks face the Bruins Tuesday night.
Vancouver has recalled Jacob Markstrom from the American Hockey League to back up Eddie Lack.
“Eddie can carry the load going forward if he has to,” Benning told reporters. “Jacob has been outstanding in Utica too. We have great depth at goaltender.”
Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy tweeted that he is hearing Miller could be sidelined for a minimum of four to six weeks.
Miller, 34, collided with teammate Jannik Hansen in the crease Sunday. Down and in pain, he appeared to be flexing his right leg as he left the ice. Lack replaced Miller at 1:11 of the second period, and the tandem combined for a shutout.
Lack has posted a 6-7-2 record this season, with a .917 save percentage.
Waived before the NHL season began, Markstrom has played fantastic for the Utica Comets, going 17-7-2 with four shutouts and a .932 save percentage.
Miller’s injury comes during the thick of the Canucks’ battle for playoff position.
Vancouver (34-22-3) sits second in the Pacific Division but holds just a three-point advantage over third-place Los Angeles, and the red-hot Kings — winners of seven straight — have one game in hand.
