Jon Cooper directly challenges Bolts after Game 3 loss

It's going to take a miracle for the Tampa Bay Lightning to avoid a second straight 1st round exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and if they're not going to believe that it's possible, then their head coach doesn't want them to show up for Game 4. 

The Florida Panthers have seized a commanding 3-0 lead in their series against their in-state rival thanks to last night's 4-2 victory at Amalie Arena, putting the Lightning on the brink of elimination. Throughout NHL history, teams that take a three game series lead have emerged victorious 98% of the time. 

Lightning bench boss Jon Cooper issued the following challenge to his players, clearly laying out that they don't have to show up if they're not going to believe it's possible for them to mount a comeback effort. 

"It's tough when you get in situations like this ... what you're going to say right at this moment," Cooper said. "But the talk was we want the believers to show up at the rink tomorrow and if you’re not going to believe, you don’t have to come. So, we’ll see who shows up tomorrow."

Game 4 between the two teams is tomorrow night. 

Recommended articles:

• Lightning make a heartbreaking announcement on Monday.
• NBA legend Charles Barkley sends a strong message to Jon Cooper.
• Lightning announce status of Erik Cernak for Game 6
• Jon Cooper annoys Leafs with post Game 5 statement
• Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper takes shot at Detroit's Derek Lalonde