Philippe Boucher's shoulder hadn't felt right since training camp.

About a week ago, he and the Stars came to a mutual agreement. But before having surgery, Boucher completed a six-game road trip, buying time for defenseman Mattias Norstrom to heal.

"I give Boush a lot of credit," coach Dave Tippett said before Wednesday's game with the San Jose Sharks. "He was struggling through it. He knew he wasn't being as efficient as he wanted to be, but still he was doing things that allowed our team to win. That speaks volumes for the guy."

Boucher underwent arthroscopic surgery Wednesday and will be sidelined at least four weeks, when his condition will be re-evaluated, the team announced.

An All-Star last season when he scored 19 goals and recorded 51 points, Boucher was slowed by the shoulder injury. He had just one goal and 11 points this season through 28 games.

"It was tough to engage physically for him," Mike Modano said. "The weight and stress you put on the shoulders made it hard for him to defend and play his style."

Norstrom, who had been sidelined since Nov. 7 with a fractured orbital bone, returned to the lineup against the Sharks wearing a partial face shield.

"Unfortunately, after all the years, you're used to the injuries," Norstrom said. "You can't let frustration play a big role. But you want to be out there. Four weeks ... it's been a long time."

Norstrom was paired with Trevor Daley, who had been playing with Boucher. Daley, a left-handed shot, moved to the right side.

Lessard returns: Rather than call up another defenseman from Iowa, the Stars opted for right wing Junior Lessard.

The reason, Tippett said, was to fill Mike Ribeiro's line, with Jere Lehtinen (spors hernia) and Antti Miettinen (groin) sidelined. "Lessard is the guy in our organization who fits that mode," Tippett said. In 21 games at Iowa, Lessard had eight goals and 18 points.

Briefly: Although the NHL has recently tweaked its schedule, Tippett would like more changes. He noted the excitement in Edmonton with the rare appearance of Pittsburgh wunderkind Sidney Crosby. "Why wouldn't you want to see that every year?" Tippett said. ... Niklas Hagman turned 28 on Wednesday. ... Norstrom received an assist on Daley's second-period goal.