Well if that figure of speech holds true, I guess we can assume that a Leafs Stanley Cup parade and a Scott Gomez goal celebration are right around the corner after witnessing Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik send Bruins’ forward Daniel Paille soaring through the air on Saturday night.

Check it out.

It had looked like the Wings seized control of the game early in the second after a Brad Stuart goal just 46 seconds into the frame put them up 2-1.  The shots were becoming incredibly lopsided at that point as well, and after an Evgeni Malkin penalty just past the 5 minute mark, it seemed to be a matter of time before the Wings would add some insurance.  Surprisingly, the opposite happened.

The Pens would have a strong penalty-kill, but with seconds remaining in it, another infraction, this time to Brooks Orpik, would set them a man down again.  As if last time was just a warm-up, this time out it would be the Pens penalty killers producing the best offensive chances.  First Malkin almost sprung himself for a break-a-way before being chased down by a back-checking Johan Franzen.  Moments later, Jordan Staal would take advantage of a flat-footed Brian Rafalski and score the equalizer a man down.

The Penguins used that momentum to score two more before the period was done, and held on to the 4-2 lead throughout the third, evening the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Things look to be turning around for Pittsburgh as Marc-Andre Fleury was solid again in goal and outplayed Chris Osgood for the second straight game.  Sidney Crosby also scored his first goal of the series, and has been coming along with each game.  The Pens now have the momentum, but momentum is only as good as your last shift, and with the Wings heading back to Detroit for game 5, expect the defending cup champions to come out with an added kick in their step.  Whether that will be enough to weather the Pens storm remains to be seen, but I think I speak for most when I say that this series deserves to be settled in seven.  With the way things are currently going, it looks like that is exactly where this season’s Stanley Cup Finals is headed.

In a great game 3 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals that saw the Pens win in overtime 3-2 on a Kris Letang point shot, Ovechkin notched an early goal on a bad bounce off the end glass that completely fooled Pens goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, and assisted on the late Backstrom goal that sent the game into overtime.  Both were impressive plays, but none as great as his back-flip after a missed hit on Pens defenseman Brooks Orpik.  Seeing Orpik come out of his end with his head down, Ovechkin began to skate full speed at him.  Fortunately, Orpik was able to get out of the way just in time, getting clipped by the Caps superstar who proceeded to go head-over-heals and down to the ice.

The game was a tight one, dominated by the Pens for the most part as Evgeni Malkin decided to make his presence felt in the series, scoring one goal and creating many more opportunities.  Sidney Crosby was his same old self as well, notching two assists, including a big faceoff win that led to the game winner in OT.  Now with the Pens back in the series down 2-1, they will look to continue their strong play at home and pull even with a game 4 win.  A victory next game (Friday night) would not only tie the series, but would also give Pittsburgh the momentum headed into their quick turnaround, which sees them following Friday’s game with another one on Saturday in Washington.

This series, the NHL’s dream showcase, is living up to its billing, and continues to get more interesting.  With Malkin getting into the mix now, we may be looking at a few more games than some may have previously expected just a couple days ago.

Here is the Ovechkin acrobatics as well as highlights from the game.  While you at it, take a look at Malkin’s dad in the highlights after his son scores.  You think he’s happy?