Cullen likely to retire after Cup Final, wants to hold 'that sucker again'
Matt Cullen would love nothing more than to go out on top.
The Pittsburgh Penguins center has admitted it's probable he'll retire at season's end and head home to Minnesota with his family. Ideally, that'll happen on a winning note.
"It’s pretty likely that this will be the end, and if it is, I’d love it to be holding that sucker again," Cullen said of the Cup, per Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune. "That would be pretty unreal. We’re so close."
Related: Penguins' Sullivan views Cullen as 'extension of our coaching staff'
A series win over the Nashville Predators would make the 40-year-old a three-time Cup champion, previously hoisting "that sucker" as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes (2006) and last year with the Penguins.
Just don't expect Cullen to pull a Mark Recchi and make an announcement amid a Cup celebration.
"I know enough just to give myself time," the 19-year NHL veteran said. "It’s a decision that deserves a little time. It carries a lot of weight, for me at least. I’ll get away from it, and then decide."
The Penguins are one win away from another Cup, with Game 6 set for Sunday in Nashville. Cullen has contributed two goals and seven assists in 24 games this postseason.