Cullen Making Most of Move

Matt Cullen’s eyes sparkled and he smiled broadly when asked about spending the last three games centering the Ducks’ top line.

“I kind of decided I was just going to play my game,” Cullen said of playing with all-star wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne. “I don’t want to look at it one way or the other. I try not to think too much and just stay out of their way.”

Cullen has given Coach Craig Hartsburg everything he hoped for when he moved the second-year center to the first line and put veteran center Steve Rucchin on the second line.

Hartsburg figured Kariya and Selanne would do just fine with Cullen playing between them, but he also hoped Rucchin would bolster the second line.

Cullen has responded with a three-game goal-scoring streak, a career best. Rucchin and his new mates on the second line have played well during Duck victories over Chicago, Tampa Bay and St. Louis.

“It changes the game so much when you play with those guys,” Cullen said of Kariya and Selanne. “Other teams give them so much respect that it opens up so much time and space for you.”

Said Kariya of Cullen: “He’s played very well since the all-star break. He’s had a lot more confidence. Cullen is more of an offensive-minded player.” Hartsburg hasn’t had any complaints about Cullen’s play.

“It’s not so much that line I’m worried about, but it’s the second line,” Hartsburg said. “Maybe it will take them a few games to get more chances.”

Asked about playing Rucchin between wingers Marty McInnis and Tomas Sandstrom, Hartsburg said, “It gives us more experience, more solidness.”

Ted Drury, a winger on the checking line, marveled at Rucchin’s attention to both ends of the ice after the Ducks’ 4-3 victory Saturday over the Blues at St. Louis.

“Has anybody mentioned him for the Selke [trophy that’s awarded to the best defensive forward at season’s end]?,” Drury asked.