Happy to be home

WILMINGTON -- The Bruins recalled left wing Dan LaCouture from Providence, six days after signing him.

The 28-year-old Cape Cod native, who coincidentally will wear No. 28 when he makes his debut tonight against the Devils in New Jersey, said he's thrilled to be back in the NHL after several weeks playing for Davos of the Swiss Elite League, which is the same team Joe Thornton suited up for during the lockout.

When LaCouture was overseas, his agent, Boston-based Jay Fee, was working the phones trying to get him a contract. When LaCouture found out it was Boston, the former Boston University Terrier said he was thrilled.

He and his wife, Bridey, and dog, Neely, boarded a flight for home, and he practiced with Providence a few times but didn't play in a game.

''Being over in Davos for over a month was a good experience for me," he said. ''The place is beautiful and the hockey was tremendous. It helped me be a better player and it certainly helped my stamina. They had me playing over 25 minutes a game. It really kept me in shape."

He had a 30-day contract, and in the end, it was up to him to stay for the year or leave.

''I really wanted to be back home," he said. ''I know I belong in this league and my heart is here. I can't be happier with the result. It's something I've wanted since I was a little kid, to wear the 'B' on my chest.

''I don't know if it's quite hit me yet. I'm just going to bring whatever I can to the table to help get some wins. Hopefully I can help excite the team and bring some energy."

He's expecting to play on a line with Eric Nickulas, his neighbor in Centerville, and veteran Tom Fitzgerald, making it an all-Massachusetts combination. LaCouture, who is 6 feet 2 inches, 210 pounds, was drafted by the Islanders in the second round (No. 29 overall) in 1996. He has played for Edmonton, Pittsburgh, and the Rangers.

Last season, the former Natick High and Boston University standout played 64 games for Providence, collecting 27 points, 12 of them goals. His best offensive season in the NHL was with the Penguins in 2001-02 when he had 17 points (6 goals) in 82 games.

''He's an energy guy," said Thornton, who was looking forward to catching up on Davos news with his new teammate. ''He just starts it up out there and I think he's going to be good for this team."

Murray on the mend

Right wing Glen Murray, who suffered a groin strain in last Wednesday's game against Toronto, skated on his own yesterday. He didn't accompany the team to New Jersey but might return Thursday when the Bruins play host to the Senators . . . Aside from the disappointment of losing to the Senators in Ottawa Saturday night, defenseman Brian Leetch said his right knee came through fine. In his first game back since Nov. 1, Leetch logged a remarkable 27 minutes 7 seconds. That was second only to Ottawa defenseman Zdeno Chara's 30:23. ''The game felt fast to me out there, just from not being on the ice," Leetch said. ''Usually you react quicker to plays, and I had to think about it a little bit more but overall the knee came through good." . . . The Bruins also recalled left wing Zdenek Blatny from Providence. Blatny has two goals and 10 assists in 17 games. There could be bigger changes afoot, too. According to a report in the Herald, Shawn McEachern and Colton Orr are being placed on waivers and will be assigned to Providence if they clear . . . Forward Pat Leahy, who has a broken left index finger, skated again yesterday and is making steady progress. He expects to have X-rays today and is hoping to be in the lineup soon . . . To make room for LaCouture, Eric Healey was returned to Providence.