Pittsburgh (93.7 The Fan) - Between a severe ankle injury that required surgery and the current NHL work stoppage, Brian Dumoulin has played in five games since the end of November. It isn't surprising then that the Penguins defenseman is eager to get going, be it finishing the regular season or beginning the post season.
"All of us are looking forward to trying to create something special," Dumoulin said Tuesday. "I think the time you become really a team is through a playoff hunt and playoff races. Hopefully, we can get something going and get back as a group and as a team."
And Dumoulin expects nothing less than the Penguins making a serious run at a third Stanley Cup since 2016.
"I think it benefits us," Dumoulin said. It's hard to say if any team has an edge, but obviously with our playoff success in the past and some of the guys we have on our team, we know as a group the type of individuals we have. When we do come back, we'll be ready to go. We have a very -- I wouldn't say wise -- but very responsible group, and I think that's going to benefit us when we do come back and play. So I think we will have an edge."
Dumoulin is unconcerned if the Cup chase comes in empty buildings.
"They can't take it away from you, winning the Stanley Cup, no matter where. If we're playing in my driveway that would be fine with me, if we were playing for the Stanley Cup. You don't need much motivation other than that."