Four-Year Contract, Coach Lured Boucher to Dallas

No one can blame Dallas defenseman Philippe Boucher if he’s had today’s date circled ever since he read the Stars’ schedule. It’s the first game against the team he left as an unrestricted free agent.

Boucher, who signed a four-year deal with Dallas last summer, will be in the lineup tonight for the Pacific Division-leading Stars, who will play the Kings at Staples Center.

“Security was No. 1, and I wanted to go for a team that had a chance to win. And knowing Dave Tippett helped,” Boucher said of the former King assistant and Dallas coach. “When he called me July 1, he told me how he wanted the team to play, and it’s similar to what we did last year [with the Kings]. I knew coming in here, other than adjusting to new players, it was not going to be a big change for me.”

Boucher, who had seven goals and 30 points last season, was initially disappointed that a deal couldn’t be worked out with the Kings, but now he’s glad to be in Dallas.

Boucher said the Kings weren’t offering a fourth year and other teams were offering more money for a shorter term. “But I feel like I have security now and I can try to play my best.” He said. “I want to try to have a chance to win it all. I’m not saying L.A. doesn’t have a chance, because when their whole personnel is in place they’ve proved how good they are.”

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Winger Adam Deadmarsh, who has not played in nearly two weeks, is listed as doubtful for tonight’s game because of post-concussion syndrome. Center Jason Allison, who remains at least a month away from returning to the lineup because of a knee injury, did some light skating with the team Friday.

TONIGHT

Dallas, 7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KSPN (1110).

Records -- Kings 8-6-3-3, Stars 13-4-4-1.

Record vs. Stars -- (2001-02) 2-1-0-1.

Update -- The Kings have not played a game at Staples Center since Nov. 4, and their six home games are the fewest in the league. The Kings are 3-2-1 at home. The Stars have lost six of the last seven games they have played at Staples Center.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.