Pens' Favorite Gets His Own Shirt
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It definitely seems like the Pens have the right mix of guys this year – young and old – and Matt Cullen is the elder statesmen.
Definitely time-tested, he's pushing 40 years old, but playing like guys half his age. Cullen is one of the key components to the team – a leader, a high-character guy, and even a father figure. A great teammate to look up to, he has been in this position before, along with the guy that brought him here, general manager Jim Rutherford. Back in 2006, they won the Stanley Cup together with Carolina. Fast forward ten years and a somewhat different role. Cullen thinks the Pens have the right group to win it all.
"You feel like a kid again, it's funny. It's so fun, and it's so exciting," Cullen said. "I think you probably appreciate it more at this point, but you do, you definitely feel like a kid, it's awesome. And I come to the rink with a smile on my face, and I'm at home with my own kids, watching the playoffs, talking about everything, going over scouting reports. You know, I could never have asked for anything more than this. It's been so much fun, and I just appreciate every minute of it."
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"I can't say enough for the influence [Matt Cullen]'s had on not just the young players, but our whole group," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "I think he's a very well-respected guy. He's a great pro. A terrific person. And his play, I think, speaks for itself. Not just in the regular season, but down the stretch, when we were fighting for a playoff spot. You know, Matt's been a key part of this team's success in a lot of different aspects."
Cullen has somewhat of a cult following, and he's even gotten his own t-shirt on the Pittsburgh sports apparel online shop Center Field Smoke. The shirts, a hot item right now, say, "Matt Cullen Is My Dad."
Cullen is on a 1-year deal with the Penguins right now and hasn't made his mind up yet if he plans to come back next year.
