That is a beautiful rink. I have went there at least a dozen times, from their years as an expansion team, to the year they won the cup, and most recently in November 2013.
One thing I can definitely say is that when the team was going through hard times as an expansion franchise, that team was having a problem giving away tickets. If you went to a game, you were going with all knowledgeable hockey fans. It was great to talk hockey with these people. They knew that their team wasn't that good, but they really loved the sport and appreciated the hard work the management and team did on the ice.
When the team got good, the corporations bought tickets and then an influx of bandwagon fans came in. I would say that some of the qualities I appreciated about going to a game were pretty much eliminated. Trying to talk with fans about the game of hockey were tougher to do as many didn't know the rules. Most just *****ed about the team, management, refs, or other things. The only thing that many people didn't complain about was Steve Yzerman. Apparently most of the fans and non-fans of hockey have a lot of respect for him.
The last time I was there, I actually met Phil Esposito who works for the Lightning. I met him just walking around the arena about 45 minutes before game time. Anyway, we had a nice 5 minute conversation about Ferris State Hockey (I was wearing the jersey) and the Lightning. He said that Steve Yzerman was a great GM and he was glad that they have him. Not only in his GM abilities, but the way he talks with the players. He takes time to talk to the players and gets to know them, and the players have respect for him just purely off his reputation in the NHL. You can't put a price tag on that.
Sorry to talk about this story at length. I just found it very interesting to hear that. I am glad that Stevie has found a home in Tampa Bay. I am not convinced that he is better than Holland, and I don't think he is an upgrade over Holland. At the same time, he is writing his own story in Tampa Bay.