For Now, Perreault Is Relegated to Non-Factor

Yanic Perreault has worked his way from centering the first line, to the second, to the third, to the fourth, to the stands or press box three games in a row and, tonight, probably a fourth.

He worked Sunday with the extra players, those who had been scratched from the lineup the night before, or who had played sparingly.

“The first game makes you see the game from a different angle,” he said of his bench time. “I don’t think you need more than one game. The second game is harder. The third game is harder still . . .”

Perreault is a spectator for the foreseeable future.

“You hate to break up lines that are working well together,” said Coach Larry Robinson, who cites the improved play of Ray Ferraro on a line with Vladimir Tsyplakov and Pavel Rosa as one of the primary reasons Perreault is sitting.

The Ferraro line has been on the ice for three of the last four King goals.

“I wasn’t getting second effort or a guy who would fight for the puck,” said Robinson of Perreault, who had four goals in the first three games, but who has only two goals since.

“I tried putting him with more offensive players, and when I still didn’t get it, I moved him down in the lineup.

“He was playing well at penalty killing and he was winning faceoffs, but he knows his game is scoring goals.”

Robinson is right.

“I’m considered an offensive player, so I need to pick up my offense,” Perreault said.

And get back on the ice to do it.

*

Winger Dan Bylsma is expected to be in Long Beach tonight, attending to the birth of his child, when the Kings play at Phoenix. Look for Matt Johnson to take Bylsma’s place on the fourth line, with center Ian Laperriere and winger Mark Visheau. . . . Winger Russ Courtnall reports progress in his recovery from a broken ankle, but says he probably will miss at least three more weeks. . . . Winger Sandy Moger is beginning to skate again and could be ready in a week.

TONIGHT at Phoenix

6, Fox Sports West

* Site--America West Arena.

* Radio--KRLA (1110).

* Records--Kings 10-21-3, Coyotes 20-6-4.

* Record vs. Coyotes--0-3.

* Update--Phoenix proved it can win without Keith Tkachuk by beating the Kings, 2-1, Saturday at the Forum. The Coyotes had been 0-3 without their captain and winger. A major reason for their dominance of the Kings has been goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who has stopped 77 of 78 shots in beating them three times. Tkachuk is expected to miss tonight’s game, again because of a sprained knee ligament.