Deadmarsh Not Ready to Return

Adam Deadmarsh was still in a fog Thursday, unable to play because of a concussion for the fourth consecutive game.

Coach Andy Murray didn’t want to rule out a return to the lineup Saturday night but indicated it was doubtful Deadmarsh would play against the Dallas Stars in the Kings’ first game at Staples Center since Nov. 4.

“We may have to get him on the ice for a series of practices before we’d want to put him into a game,” he said. “Once it goes more than a week without playing or practicing, you almost need three or four practices before the guy can play.”

Deadmarsh hasn’t played since Nov. 12, when he scored two goals in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He was hit late in the game by defenseman Aki Berg of the Maple Leafs, resulting in a concussion.

Two seasons ago, Deadmarsh sat out 14 games after suffering a concussion in a fight with defenseman Ed Jovanovski of the Vancouver Canucks.

And what happened to Jovanovski?

“He hurt his hand,” Deadmarsh said, laughing.

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Eric Belanger couldn’t practice Wednesday after suffering back spasms while lacing his skates, but after taking muscle relaxants and seeing a chiropractor he was able to play Thursday night.

“It’s still tight, but once I get it warmed up, I’ll be ready to go,” he said before the game. “It feels like something stabbed me.

“It’s a long trip -- different beds, blah, blah, blah. And we’ve played so many games. I’m sure it’s fatigued.”