Chara is right about that. The Blue Jackets have arguably not played any better or more consistent this season than they are against the Lightning in this series.
And Washington Capitals center Lars Eller isn't surprised by that. He said the Blue Jackets weren't getting enough respect for the type of team they are entering the playoffs (7-1-0 in their final eight regular-season games) and writing them off because they were playing a historically successful team was ignorant.
"I had a sense that if they could find their game, they're suited for that playoff style of hockey," Eller said. "I think it was just a matter of time for them of getting everything to click a little bit and they seem to be doing that right now. So, I'm not surprised because I know they had another level in their game."
Here's the thing, though, and it's driving the Lightning's optimism right now:
They have another level too, and they think they may have found it in the third period of Game 3, when they started to execute some skilled plays, had an attack mentality, scored to make it 2-1 at 4:40 and outshot Columbus 14-7 before Cam Atkinson scored an empty-net goal with 1:00 remaining.
It was the type of period the Lightning put together so often during the regular season, only typically with another goal or two to show for it, maybe even a power-play opportunity, too.
They didn't get either, but that third period has buoyed their confidence and their belief.
"It's something to build on and that's what we need right now is something positive," Callahan said. "We got that in the third period and now we need to build on that and continue it right from the start of Game 4."
It would help if they got something positive out of Kucherov, Stamkos and Point.
"I take a lot of pride in that, but in saying that, those three games are over and done with," Stamkos said. "We have a chance as a group and myself as an individual to have an impact on the next game to try to spark something for our team.
"No matter the situation, no matter if you've been playing great or not playing great, you always have a belief coming into a game that you can do something to help your team win. That's the belief I'm going to have in myself and in our team in Game 4."
NHL.com staff writers Tom Gulitti and Mike Zeisberger contributed to this report