As someone who lives in Winnipeg as a Lightning fan I can kind of agree with you that a lot of people up here don't think Tampa should have a team. However I know quite a few people from Winnipeg that have been to a game in Tampa and were surprised and impressed with the amount of true hockey fans the Lightning have. A few of my friends were so impressed with the fans and the arena atmosphere that Tampa is a team they now follow.
- mblightning

I was born in BC, so I know some of the people that don't like us. I live in Florida now and enjoy everything that this area has.