Pittsburgh Penguins’ Round One MVPs

Apr 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray (30) and center Sidney Crosby (87) and defenseman Kris Letang (58) celebrate after defeating the New York Rangers 6-3 in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray (30) and center Sidney Crosby (87) and defenseman Kris Letang (58) celebrate after defeating the New York Rangers 6-3 in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 19, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen (7) scores against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen (7) scores against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Cullen

Last but certainly not least, we can’t ignore the presence and yes, the scoring prowess of veteran Matt Cullen. He’s been shifted up and down the entire forward lineup throughout the season, but is now slotted in as center on the fourth line.

Despite being flanked by far younger forwards, Cullen has continued to show why he’s been one of the best players for the Pens this year. He scored two goals in this playoff series – and both were game-winners.

The players have said again and again that Cullen is like the “team dad” whose presence is inspirational and encouraging at the same time. Even if he wasn’t contributing on the scoresheet as much as he is, he would be a valuable figure to have in a playoff locker room.

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