Sure, it was a bit tough to skate at Heinz Field with the wind whipping around, temperatures hovering just above freezing and the occasional snow flurry. But it was nothing compared to the temperatures on that pond in North Dakota, where it was between minus 10 and minus 20 while the Cullens were there.
"We were out almost every day at the park. I love that," he said. "You play professional hockey and you get away from that. … There is nothing better. It's just something different."
Maybe that explains why Cullen couldn't stop smiling Saturday. It started well before the game and it seemed to grow throughout the evening.
"I've got to tell you, I don't know if I have had more fun playing in a game," Cullen said.
When he scored at 1:50 of the third period, slamming home a rebound of his own wrap-around attempt to give the Penguins a 3-1 lead, he wheeled away from the net and broke into a giant smile as he pumped his fists at the crowd.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Cullen, at 40 years, 115 days old, became the third over-40 player to score a goal in an NHL outdoor game. Mark Recchi (41 years, 334 days) of the Boston Bruins was the oldest, against Philadelphia in the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Daniel Alfredsson (41 years, 21 days) of the Detroit Red Wings was the other, against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.
After the game, Cullen was still smiling in the dressing room, maybe more than at any other time since preparations for this game started on Friday, with a practice and a family skate that featured Cullen's three sons zipping all over the ice.
"When you come here, it's kind of hard not to have a smile on your face; it's a once-in-a-lifetime-type deal," Cullen said. "It's a bucket-list thing; something I always wanted to do. It was more than I expected and I found myself more excited than I expected throughout the day. I just really enjoyed it."
Cullen is painfully aware that he is likely nearing the end of his playing days. He wasn't sure he was going to play this season until he re-signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year contract on Aug. 17.
At this point in a player's career, there is a tendency to appreciate the indelible moments a little more. Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan believes that is one of the things that allows Cullen to remain productive after turning 40.