Concussion sends Rask to sidelines

The Bruins have not had a full lineup in any of their six games this year and won’t have one for the foreseeable future.

A day after Ryan Spooner was lost for 4-6 weeks with a torn right groin adductor, the team said No. 1 goalie Tuukka Rask suffered a concussion in Wednesday’s practice, no surprise to anyone who witnessed the collision he had with Anders Bjork. The rookie was moving down his off wing with speed in a line rush drill and tried to cut to his forehand but instead blasted Rask. There is no timetable for a return.

Rask had not gotten off to a great start. He won the season opener, but dropped his next three starts and was sporting a 3.30 goalsagainst average and .882 save percentage.

His replacement last night against the Canucks, Anton Khudobin, had fared better, albeit in just four periods of work. He beat the Arizona Coyotes in his only start while posting a .950 SP and 1.52 GAA.

Zane McIntyre, who did not have a good training camp but was playing fairly well in Providence (2-1, 2.35, .914), was recalled as the backup.

Last night, the three goals Khudobin allowed in the B’s 6-3 win were not necessarily on him, but he was an adventure at times handling the puck.

“I felt good,” Khudobin said. “It was kind of an upand-down, up-and-down game. We took over the game, they took over the game. We had some pucks we couldn’t handle. So it was like that, an up-and-down game.”

Agostino gets call

Kenny Agostino has not yet proven to be an NHL player, but the 25-year-old left winger is proving that he is indeed a pro.

That became clear when the Yale product didn’t let being sent to Providence near the end of training camp affect his play. In three AHL games, Agostino posted 2-5-7 totals and is going to get a chance to take over Spooner’s spot on the half wall on the first power-play unit.

Often times young players, dejected at being demoted, let it affect their play in the minors.

“It’s a mindset,” said Agostino. “It’s too easy to get frustrated when things don’t go your way in this business. I’ve gotten sent down in training camp plenty of times before and it’s all about what you do after that.”

After leading the AHL in scoring last year with 24 goals and 59 assists with the Chicago Wolves in the Blues organization, Agostino was signed to a oneyear, one-way deal worth $875,000. It was his best opportunity yet to make the NHL. But he missed time in camp with a minor injury, which didn’t help his chances, and was sent to Providence after the penultimate preseason game in Philadelphia.

“It’s just part of growing in this business,” said Agostino. “I learned early on in this business that you can control very few things, so you worry about what you can control and that’s your play. So wherever you’re at, I just worry about controlling what I can control and playing my game.”

Now his ability to play on the power play has him in the NHL. And he earned an assist on David Krejci’s first period power-play goal.

“That’s pretty much where I’ve played my whole career,” said Agostino. “I’ve only had small looks at it at the NHL level, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Walking wounded

Adam McQuaid left the game after taking a pair of shots off the legs during a third-period penalty kill. He left Sunday’s game in Las Vegas after taking a shot off the left leg. Coach Bruce Cassidy said he was being evaluated.

“Every team needs Adam McQuaids and we’re certainly fortunate to have him,” said Cassidy . . . .

Krejci came out for the third period but could not go because of an upper body ailment. Cassidy said the center hadn’t been feeling well during the day and then took a crosscheck. The coach said Krejci may have been experiencing spasms but didn’t expect him to be out long-term.

Minor discussions

With David Backes playing last night, Peter Cehlarik was sent to Providence where players may be forcing their way onto the roster, regardless of the injury situation.

“If they keep playing like they do and we don’t get what we feel is the necessary play out of our guys here, then you have to look at it,” said Cassidy. “You know the roster management is not as easy as saying ‘you’re coming, you’re going.’ It’s never that simple. We all know that. But yes, they continue to push and they’ll get their look. I think we’ve always said that around here. We’re willing to do that. Kenny’s played well. He’s getting the call. Cehlarik might have been in if we didn’t think Backs was ready. (Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson) had a few games down there.

“That’s what it’s there for, the depth. You hope your guys are playing well enough up here and you’re only using them for injuries. But if it’s a matter of not being satisfied, then those guys will get their opportunity.” . . .

Matt Beleskey and Frank Vatrano are still looking for their first points. Beleskey was a healthy scratch . . . .

Patrice Bergeron’s fourpoint night moved him past Ken Hodge into seventh on the B’s all-time scoring list with 675 points. It was his 900th NHL game.