"It's just an adjustment," Kunitz said. "I've been using different products throughout the year and something has been off. It's not been fun, trying to search for stuff, but that's not an excuse. Sticks are sticks. You go out and play the game."
One thing that has remained constant is Kunitz's playing style. He hasn't changed anything in the past three games, either.
He has forechecked hard, played with an edge, on the line, and occasionally has been caught going over it, as in Game 2, when he was penalized for cross-checking Predators defenseman P.K. Subban in the neck.
But now he's generating offense as well. Kunitz had seven points in his previous 38 games before producing seven points in the past three.
"I see all those same traits that he's been doing for so long, and maybe those plays are just going in this time instead of not," center Sidney Crosby said. "I think that's the biggest thing. Everyone tries to raise their game at this time of year, and he's a guy who is able to do that."
Historically in the playoffs, that is true. Kunitz is two victories away from winning the Stanley Cup for the fourth time in his career (2007, 2009, 2016). He has 90 points (27 goals, 63 assists) in 157 playoff games, including 21 in 40 games the past two springs with the Penguins.
But in the first two games against Nashville, he's already equaled his point total from his previous 15 Stanley Cup Final games. He had two assists in six games against the San Jose Sharks last season, two assists in seven games against the Detroit Red Wings in 2009 and no points in two games with the Anaheim Ducks against the Senators in 2007.
"I don't think it's happenstance," coach Mike Sullivan said about Kunitz's hot streak. "I just think it's an indication that he's a fierce competitor and he elevates his game when the stakes are high. At least in my experience of coaching him he's at his very best at this time of year. He did it last year for us and he's doing it again for us this year.
"I don't think it's by accident. I think he deserves a whole lot of credit for his performance throughout the course of this playoffs."
With a stick tap to his new stick too, of course.
"It feels pretty good," Kunitz said.