Now, it's a best of 3

Teams always talk about holding serve in the playoffs. You have to win every game at home. The Penguins have done that, passing their coming-of-age test with flying colors and a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings to tie the series at two a piece.

Overall, it was a team effort (not the cliche). But unlike last year, the Pens didn't look like boys trying to play with men. This year they look like men, who are tired of being disrespected.

For the Pens, there are numerous heroes to point to from this game. The two-headed monster, Crosby and Malkin, each had a goal and an assist - plus Malkin continued to just be a machine that refuses to slow down, creating chance after chance after chance. Jordan Staal single-handedly shifted the momentum with a rare short-handed goal against a stingy and potent Detroit powerplay.

But the biggest superstar of them all was none other than Marc Andre Fleury. "Everyone knows you're not going to go far without goaltending," said Crosby after the game. "He's a big reason for our success." Fleury received the first star of the game and with good reason.

I know it's weird because Fleury gave up two goals in this game, but he was without question the reason for the Pens' victory. Fleury couldn't see either goal given up in this game. The first goal came off the stick of Darren Helm, who intercepted a pass in the offensive zone from Rob Scuderi. Scurderi was all alone able to carry the puck out, but it along the boards, which bounced to the slot in the offensive zone. It ended up a goal. The second goal from Brad Stuart saw Fleury screened by two Penguins - Sergei Gonchar on the shooter and Bill Guerin directly in front of the net- without giving the Flower a chance to see the puck.

Other than those two hiccups, Fleury played outstanding. Even after miles of scrutiny following the first two games, Fleury has stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. "I've learned to not worry about what people say or write about me," said the Flower. Fleury saved 37 of 39 shots against the Wings for the best game of the Stanley Cup finals thus far.

All night Pittsburgh got plenty of individual chances. Numerous Malkin breakaways, Crosby one-on-ones, and Pens' forecheck, leaving open nets for the Pens to shoot at. But Detroit had better pressure in the Pens' defensive zone all night. Without the one-on-ones or two-on-twos, Detroit constantly tested Fleury with offensive sets, having him sprawl all over the crease - like a Flower- throughout the entire game. But not with numerous chances and numerous minutes for the Wings to even the score against Pittsburgh. But Fleury single-handedly said 'No.' And that made the difference.

"He's always finds a way to make the big save," said Staal following the victory. Fleury made numerous of them during this game. All the saves he should make, along with some of the ones he shouldn't, with all of that equaling a steller performance on the biggest stage in the sport.

Obviously, a lot of people will talk about the outstanding offense in the second period, and Osgood looking human in this game just like game 3. But the truth is Marc Andre Fleury deserves the credit for his outstanding performance in game 4.

Like Crosby and Malkin this playoffs, Fleury has created this amazing opportunity for himself. After last year's Cup, he can now establish himself as a solid Stanley Cup goaltender, passing his own test and coming-of-age.

Until game 5 in Detroit, this outstanding series will have to take a slight pause. It's now a best of 3 and could go either way for either team. I'll be back Saturday night after the game for more analysis, but until them keep your head up when you're on the ice, it's either hit or be hit.