Sweet on Hershey

Going into this season, Tampa Bay Lightning fans were excited at the prospect of having a clear-cut No. 1 goalie. After last season’s disappointment, with neither Sean Burke nor John Grahame able to lock up the position, an offseason signing was seen as the answer.

Funny thing, though. It’s been Johan Holmqvist, and not the highly publicized Marc Denis, who has stepped into the role. But rather than sulk about it, Denis always shows a positive attitude toward fans.

Stopping after practice yesterday for a handful of hounds, Denis was pleasant and chatty when he signed the Hershey Bears puck shown above.

"Let’s see, " he said, "I was No. 31 there."

"It’s a great little hockey city, isn’t it," I replied.

"One of the best," he said. "I had a great time there."