Cullen honored, showered with gifts by Penguins before 1,500th NHL game

PITTSBURGH -- Matt Cullen was honored by the Pittsburgh Penguins before playing his 1,500th NHL game Tuesday.

The 42-year-old forward became the second United States-born player, and 20th player in NHL history, to reach the milestone when the Penguins faced the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena.

"It's such a great milestone. There aren't too many people that reach it," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "I think it's a reflection of his passion for the game, his professionalism. There aren't too many guys that take care of themselves and train the way he does, and live the way he does in order to give himself the best opportunity to continue to play and sustain his performance."
Each of Cullen's teammates wore a No. 7 Penguins jersey with his last name on the back during warmups. Pittsburgh started Cullen at left wing with center Sidney Crosby and right wing Jake Guentzel on the top line before switching him to his customary spot at center on the fourth line.

Before puck drop, highlights of Cullen's NHL career played on the big screen, which included a message from Chris Chelios, the only other United States-born player to reach the milestone. Chelios played in 1,651 NHL games from 1984-2010.
The crowd gave Cullen a standing ovation before he received a plaque and stick commemorating his accomplishment from Penguins assistant general manager Bill Guerin. Crosby and Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel joined Cullen during the ceremony. The players purchased Cullen a new black and yellow Polaris utility vehicle.