As three tired scribes and one photographer rode up the elevator up to the street level at Continental Airlines Arena, one veteran writer put it well.

"This might be the one they remember when it's all over."

The Lightning's 5-3 loss to the Devils tonight in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals was frustrating for Tampa Bay. The Lightning offense played well enough to win on most nights, but Tampa Bay also made enough mistakes to lose on most nights. The Lightning received the usual boost from the duo of Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis.

But we all knew that if the Lightning was going to win this series, it would have to show its share of resilience. Now, it has to show more just to have a shot.

After the game, Lightning captain Tim Taylor put it well. They came to Jersey to take one of two. They haven't done that yet. And it makes Saturday's Game 2 the biggest game of the Lightning's season.

That's pressure. And for all the talk that John Tortorella has recited about how the core of this team has grown, now it's time to show up -- when they are behind the eight ball.

They did it after Christmas. Now they have to do it again.

As for goaltender Johan Holmqvist, he has that first playoff game behind him. And he's been remarkable at putting bad games behind him. Expect him to play better Saturday.

Now if it can just all come together.