He wasn’t even supposed to be here today.
With linesman Jonny Murray’s travel plans thwarted by a winter storm rocking the northeast, Steve Miller stepped in to work the lines for Canadiens vs. Penguins in Pittsburgh. Miller was coming off a game the previous night in Detroit, which was unaffected by the weather.
After what happened during the second period of Wednesday’s game, perhaps Miller wishes he’d have been able to stay home.
Miller Checked by Pens’ Guentzel
Nearly six minutes into the second period, linesman Steve Miller was knocked off his post on the blueline by Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel. The Pens’ winger chipped the puck into the zone before getting shoved into Miller by Montreal’s Paul Byron. Guentzel and Miller crashed to the ice.
Miller was unhurt on the play and remained in the game.
Miller Cut by Skate on Line Change
The veteran linesman wasn’t so fortunate on an incident that happened just seven minutes later. As Canadiens winger Charles Hudon jumped over the boards to return to the bench on a line change, his skate caught Miller’s hand.
Miller quickly rushed off the ice where he was treated by the Habs’ medical staff. He was treated for a cut to the hand that required six stitches. Miller returned for the third period with his right hand heavily bandaged.
Miller is slated to return to the ice Thursday in Columbus.
Here’s hoping that game is much less eventful for the veteran linesman.
