While pregame cliches may peg Thursday's night's Game 5 as just another game, Matt Cullen knows that is not the case.
The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the Stanley Cup Final 3-1 over the San Jose Sharks. One more win will crown new champions and Cullen admits that's all that is on his mind.
"You can’t fool yourself and say this is just another game. It doesn’t work. Your body knows it. Everybody knows it," said Cullen, according to Pens Inside Scoop. "It’s not like you can show up in the morning and say it's Game 40 in December or whatever. We understand how big this game is."
For Cullen a victory in one of the final three games would give him his second-career Stanley Cup after claiming his first as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006.
"I think you can share those experiences," Cullen said, recalling the 2006 postseason, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli. "Really, it comes down to try to make the most of each moment. It’s a bit more of a challenge to keep your focus here. That’s the test for all of us. You’re close to the end of the road here. It’s exciting, but it’s about using that excitement as energy. We’re really happy with the position we put ourselves in, but now the work really begins."
Cullen has contributed four goals and two assists on his latest Cup-run.
