NHL: Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 2

PITTSBURGH, June 4 (UPI) -- A key shorthanded goal by Jordan Staal ignited a big second period Thursday that allowed Pittsburgh to even the Stanley Cup finals with a 4-2 win over Detroit.

The Red Wings, seeking their second straight NHL title, owned a 2-1 lead as the second period neared the midway point and appeared ready to hand the Penguins what would likely have been a backbreaking setback.

Things grew even worse for the Penguins when Brooks Orpik was sent to the penalty box for tripping 7:43 into the second stanza.

Staal, however, came through with a backhand shot less than a minute into the penalty kill that eluded Chris Osgood and tied the contest.

Sidney Crosby put the Penguins in front two minutes later with his 15th goal of the playoffs and Tyler Kennedy made it a two-goal lead with 5:48 left in the period.

Pittsburgh, trying to become the first team in 38 years to win the Stanley Cup after losing the first two games of the finals on the road, will travel to Detroit for Game 5 Saturday.

Marc-Andre Fleury made 37 saves and held Detroit scoreless after the Red Wings took a 2-1 lead on Brad Stuart's goal 46 seconds into the second period.

Pittsburgh improved its home record to 8-2 in the playoffs and the Red Wings lost for the fifth time in nine road games.