Matt Cullen wore three sweaters in the Penguins' 3-2 win over the Panthers, one for each period.
One for each of his three sons -- Brooks, Wyatt, and Joey -- from their dad's 1,500th game.
Cullen's sons and wife Bridget were on the ice for the Penguins' pregame ceremony honoring Cullen for his achievement. The videoboard showed a tribute package featuring highlights from Cullen's lengthy 21-year career, as well as a message from Chris Chelios, the only American player to have played in more games than Cullen.
No one plans to play 1,500 NHL games.
What Matt Cullen has done was achieved by taking each day one-at-a-time, being disciplined in his training, and forging strong bonds with supportive teammates and family along the way.
Let's step back and appreciate the past 21 seasons. pic.twitter.com/tZRNKOHsCA
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 6, 2019
Bill Guerin presented Cullen and his family with a silver hockey stick, as well as a plaque featuring logos of all the teams Cullen has played for. Penguins players chipped in to give the Cullen family a Polaris off-road utility vehicle, custom painted in Penguins colors.
The players knew they could rely on two Pittsburgh companies, @PPG and Steele Auto Body, to make Cully’s new Polaris the perfect colors. Check out the before and after pics ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/AybJncMr4a
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 6, 2019
"I didn't really have expectations going into it," Cullen said of the ceremony. "But it was pretty overwhelming, honestly. Way more than I would ever deserve or expect. It really took me off-guard. It really means a lot that everybody would go through all that trouble for me. It was pretty special."
The Penguins also recognized Cullen in warmups with special jerseys, featuring a 1,500 patch on the chest and Cullen's name and number on the back of every single one. A nightmare if you're looking to make out the early line combinations, but "the best warmup of the year," if you ask Cullen.
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Not Matt Cullen. -- MATT SUNDAY / DKPS[/caption]
"That was a really classy touch," Cullen said after the game. "I've never seen that, that was really cool."
In playing in his 1,500th career game, Cullen surpassed Mike Modano's mark of 1,499. For a Minnesota native and former North Stars fan like Cullen, that made the night even more special.
"He's a guy that I looked up to and loved watching growing up, cheering for the North Stars," said Cullen.
Cullen said that his three sons keep an eye on the NHL's all-time games-played list, and alert him whenever he passes another player. Having his sons be so invested and excited in that way, and having them join him on the ice pregame, has been one of the more meaningful parts of this point of Cullen's career.
"As a dad, any time I can share an experience like that with my boys who love the game and are just really excited to be there, it's just special. It's beyond words, I don't even know what to say. The whole thing just blew me right away."
So ... is 1,600 the next milestone on Cullen's checklist? He was asked after the game.
"Ehhh ... ahhhhh ... nope."
That settles that.
MATT SUNDAY GALLERY
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Penguins vs. Panthers, PPG Paints Arena, March 6, 2019 - MATT SUNDAY / DKPS[/caption]
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