Are You A Bolts Believer?

In Hockey Bay, it seems there are two types of fans. You’re either with the team or you are against them. Black and white…err blue. There’s no fence to sit on. Each of these fanatics views the Bolts world quite differently.

Preseason impressions from the Lightning optimists: The fans that expect a positive outcome:

The Bolts won a game in overtime last night on a beautiful play started by Vinny winning the faceoff to Bugsy who slid it to an open Marty who buried the puck in the back of the net. Lightning 4, Oilers 3.

The Lightning is 3-1-2 in the preseason despite embarking on an epic road trip and playing five games in five nights.

Mike Smith has been outstanding between the pipes and has shown no signs of post concussion syndrome.

Relax. There’s still one preseason game left, Sunday in Atlanta and the Bolts will get right.

Preseason Impressions from the Lightning pessimists: The fans that anticipate the worst outcome:

The Lightning was out shot for the fourth consecutive game last night, 30-26. They mustered a paltry four shots on goal in the second period. In Wednesday’s loss to Phoenix, the team had only three shots on goal for the entire game while playing five on five. For the preseason, the Bolts have been out shot 175-132.

“Where’s the offense.” In six preseason games the team from Tampa Bay has just 15 goals.

Why does coach Rick Tocchet keep switching players on Vinny’s wing so often? Is anyone getting enough time to make a real impression? Hasn’t Steve Downie looked better than Stephane Veilleux and Carter Ashton?

Has anyone seen or heard from Paul Ranger?

There is only one preseason game left! They can’t possibly get right that quickly!

What kind of Lightning fan are you?