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Sunday, February 16, 2003

By Dejan Kovacevic, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Dan LaCouture, Rangers left winger, was traded by the Penguins Monday as part of the Alexei Kovalev deal. Dejan Kovacevic asked him questions Friday at Madison Square Garden.

You spent most of two seasons in Pittsburgh and became a full-time NHL player there. How much did your time there mean to you?

It meant everything to me. I love Pittsburgh, and I love everything about that organization. They treated me really well, and it was very hard for me to say goodbye to people like Mario Lemieux and Craig Patrick. I had an idea something was going to happen with me when I wasn't playing, but I have nothing but great things to say about everyone there.

What was your greatest memory?

Really, for me, it was just the way the fans in Pittsburgh appreciated the way I worked hard on and off the ice. That meant a lot to me. I fed off that. I knew they recognized what I was doing, and I wanted to give them everything I had every night. And I did. I never cheated the fans. I gave them everything I had. I want to thank the people of Pittsburgh for their support. I'll always consider Pittsburgh my home.

Patrick said that your inclusion was the last piece of the trade, that Glen Sather insisted you be in it. How does that make you feel?

Well, Glen traded for me once before to get me in Edmonton after the Islanders drafted me. I went there and I was 20 and was in the minors for a couple of years, so Glen never had a chance to work with me. It makes me feel good. When Craig told me about that, it made me feel better to know that, OK, I'm leaving my teammates and good friends in Pittsburgh, but know I'm going to team that specifically asked for me. I'll pay them back for that with hard work. I'll make sure I live up to expectations Glen will have for me.

Are you bothered by the idea that some might consider you a throw-in?

No, not at all, because I know what happened. I know the whole hockey world is looking at this because Kovy was in the deal, and everyone's watching to see what he can do here. But I still feel the pressure. I'm not in spotlight as much, but New York's a tough sports town, and people here will be watching to see what I can do.

How do you see yourself developing as a player in the league? You seemed to add fighting to your repertoire as this season went along.

I got to play last year for first time all the way through, and I learned a lot and wanted to build off it. This year, I wanted to come in and play even more, but that didn't happen. I know I can play in this league, and I feel I can contribute offensively. I had six goals last year, and I thought for sure I would have more than 10 this year. I believe in that part of my game.