As the Penguins prepareto host the opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Sharkson Monday, Matt Cullen is reflectingback on the enthralling season that almost wasn't. In his piece publishedMonday, the Penguins center revealed he had every intention David Justice Jersey of retiring at the end of last season before Pittsburghgeneral managerJim Rutherford inquired about Cullen joining the team and offered him a spot on the roster. "Jim was really up front about what they were looking for: Fourth line center. Somebody who can help be a leader in the locker room. Somebody who can move up and down the lineup when theres injuries," Cullen wrote. "Jim said, 'You still got the fire?' MORE FINALS: "I thought about it for maybe two seconds.It was a no brainer. I saw how serious Jim was about winning a Stanley Cup by trading for (Phil) Ke sel that summer. Then couple that with the fact that its a great hockey town and I can have my boys be in the locker room with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin? It was a pretty easy decision." It took all of 25 minutes for Cullen and Rutherford to reach a deal. After all, the two share ahistory that dates back tothe2005-06 season with the Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes, with Rutherford then serving as president and general manager in Carolina. Despitee sentially calling it quits and moving his familyto North Dakota, Cullen found it easy to break the news to his supportive wife, Bridget, and three hockey-crazed sons,Brooks, Wyatt, and Joey. Hefurther discu sed hislife asa "hockey dad"and what it's like having his boysaround to share their analysis. "The easy part was telling my kids, 'Hey, we have to move again, but gue s what? Im going to play with Sid and Geno,'" Cullen wrote. "My sons are 6, 7 and 9, and they are the biggest hockey fans in the world. You really have no idea. "On a normal game day, Ill wake up around 7 a.m. and my boys will already be on the couch watching 'NHL on the Fly.' Every morning, without fail. Theyre little experts." Although they madeit to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Penguins didn't get off to the greatest start this season. Cullen's sons have been critical of their father's performance, and at one point were brought to tearsoutof fear of elimination from the playoffs. Now, the 39-year-old veteran will have thechance to end his career on a high note by hoisting the Stanley Cup for a second time. MORE: "I dont know how theyll handle the finals," Cullen wrote. "Theyve gotten more superstitious as the playoffs have gone on. They have to wear the exact same outfit to every game. "Theyre not going to be satisfied until I bring home a Stanley Cup. Ill see what I can do." Clete Boyer Jersey