Glory Fleeting for Courtnall

So much for the offensive exploits of Russ Courtnall, who came back after an injury, moved into a strong scoring line with Luc Robitaille and Jozef Stumpel, had a goal and an assist in his first game and two assists in his fourth and then said adieu to scoring.

Pretty much.

Courtnall has moved back to a checking line, with center Ian Laperriere and winger Matt Johnson.

“Everybody likes offense. That’s where the glory is,” said Courtnall, who has two goals and five assists in 25 games.

“But I guess I’m versatile enough to play any role.”

Actually, Coach Larry Robinson said, “his role is no different.

“You have to respect his speed. He gives that line some extra speed.”

Courtnall reports no difficulty with his ankle, which was broken Nov. 18 at San Jose, costing him 8 1/2 weeks off the ice.

“It’s going to take the off-season until it’s completely healed,” he said.

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Yanic Perreault, normally a center, is playing wing on a line centered by Olli Jokinen, and says he is making the adjustment.

“I didn’t do it last year, but two years ago, I moved around like this,” he said. “It’s a different position on the ice, but I’m still taking some of the draws and it’s playing. That’s the main thing.”

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Expect Pavel Rosa to rejoin a line with Robitaille and Stumpel tonight against the Blackhawks. . . . Also expect Stephane Fiset to play in goal.

Tonight vs. Chicago, 7:30

Fox Sports West

* Site--Great Western Forum.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 17-28-4, Blackhawks 14-28-8.

* Record vs. Blackhawks--2-0.

* Update--Chicago got an offensive boost when it acquired Nelson Emerson from Carolina for Paul Coffey. Emerson, 31, has combined with Tony Amonte and Doug Gilmour on the Blackhawks’ top line. Emerson, who was King defenseman Rob Blake’s roommate at Bowling Green University, has 11 points in 15 games with Chicago.