Were people really upset though? First game the entire arena was dressed in the new blues. Fresh start with new management and ownership coupled with a clean new look. Most people were welcoming it, or at least didn't mind.
A lot of that had to do with STM people wearing them from what I saw. I never wore mine, but most people I saw wearing the blue had the STM patch on it.
I could be remembering it wrong since I dislike them so much, but I'm pretty sure there were people that hated the look and then got over it. Which I predicted. They added black and met with season ticket holders after they came out because people weren't thrilled.
I don't agree with the need for a new look for new owners, especially when the look is a ripoff of classic teams with a clip art logo slapped on. I don't think the team ever admitted it, and I reamed them on Twitter for the idiocy for what that's worth, but they started even wearing black thirds every time they played Toronto. That in my opinion is them admitting they're too similar to another team without saying it.
I could keep going, but I've said my peace before on the issue and all it does is make people think I'm a. an idiot because they don't agree or b. not a fan of the team because I don't like the jersey/logos.
Taking down our Cup banner I thought was in super poor taste as well. Our first Cup and it was a really unique banner. For some reason they thought they should make them all look similar?
People have things they're particular about. This is one of those things for me.
Edit: Thanks for the link Toad. I knew I remember people being pissed. I also remember saying at the time that with a fickle area like Tampa Bay, fans would get over their dislike quicker than most. I'm not one of those people though. They barely did anything though. Very minimal black and no victory stripes. Still not what most people wanted.