Lightning on the verge of devastating collapse

Image 1 of 2

It's a Lightning Blue Monday. The Bolts are on the brink of a historic first and possibly a first-round exit by the league's top-ranked team.

So, is it time to panic?

"Yes it is," said Lighting fan Susan Skurja.

"The fat lady is gargling her throat," said Lightning fan Marty Serote.

Just how cataclysmic would this collapse be? 

The Tampa Bay Lightning is a regular season record holder for its number of wins.

Among teams that hold the regular season record for number of wins, no team in any of the major sports has won their respective championship, but none have been bounced in the first round, either.

The Lightning would stand alone, but true blue Lightning fans still believe in their Bolts.

"I think we are going to be OK," said Lightning fan Michelle Warga. "We aren't panicking yet. We're going to come back like we always do, true Tampa fashion."

The Lightning need to win four straight to pull off a comeback

"I'm hoping so," said Anthony Laraiso. "I'd hate to see them get swept."

Brian Bradley is an original Lightning player who has seen just about everything in his 14-year NHL career, but this is a stunner.

"Well, absolutely shocked," said Bradley. "But if there's a team that can come back. I don't think anyone really has the answer for it. They have to watch some video right now. They have to find a way to beat the trap in the neutral zone and get the puck in. Because once we get in the zone and control the puck. That's when we are dangerous."

Ruslan Fedotenko helped the Lightning to its only Stanley Cup Championship. He played for John Tortorella and sees Torts making a difference in this series. 

"I know how he's coaching," said Fedotenko. "It's surprising me a little bit, but its playoffs. It's tough. Every team is going to be battling, but the Lightning have a good team, so I still believe they can pull it off."

We'll find out Tuesday when the two teams hit the ice for Game 4.