P.K. Subban to miss next Canadiens' game after non-serious neck injury

Montreal defenceman P.K. Subban will miss an NHL game due to injury for the first time in his career when the Canadiens host the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night.

The Habs star suffered what the team described as a "non-serious neck injury," and head coach Michel Therrien said Friday that Subban will require treatment and won't be available for the game.

"It's bad luck, it's an accident," Therrien said. "He got away pretty good, it could have been a lot worse, so we're pleased that he's day-to-day."

The injury puts an end to an impressive iron man streak Subban had put together.

Subban had played 274 consecutive regular-season games for the Canadiens which was the team's longest active streak. He last missed a game on Jan. 30, 2013.

"I'm sure it's tough for him not playing tomorrow, but safety for the players is crucial for us," Therrien said.

The Canadiens defenceman was injured in a scary incident with just 2:26 left in a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

Subban had to be stretchered off the ice near after falling and being accidentally struck by teammate Alexei Emelin, who knocked him on the side of the head.

He grabbed the back of his head and writhed on the ice as trainers and doctors tended to him for nearly 10 minutes.

Subban was transported to Montreal General Hospital as a precaution and the club said he was released late Thursday night after comprehensive testing.

Emelin didn't speak to media after the game or Friday following an off-ice training session, but the Russian defenceman seemed in shock after the incident.

"It was an accident, these are things that happen," Therrien said. "You never want to see something like that happen, but I'm sure he [Emelin]is relieved it wasn't a major injury."

Subban was at the club's suburban practice facility Friday where relieved teammates were glad to see him.

"He's a very important player and it's not something you like to see on the ice, but everyone is happy to know it wasn't a serious injury," forward Paul Byron said.

The flashy defenceman took to Twitter to reassure supporters he was doing well.

"Feeling good, and feeling the love. Thanks for all the support!!," Subban wrote.

Therrien said a defenceman and a forward would be recalled from the St. John's IceCaps of the American Hockey League later Friday to fill out his injury-riddled roster.

Mike Condon is expected to start in goal against the Wild.