The Tampa Bay Lightning has asked me to be a part of the organization’s Blogger Roundtable. This new feature, which has a number of independent writers weigh in on issues surrounding the team, will be a weekly column on the team’s website.

Today's question has to do with early season impressions. Many of the Lightning’s players have played well through the first eight games of this year’s schedule, as evidenced by the team’s 5-3-0 record. What’s my take on things right now? I’ve posted my answer below; you can check out the rest of the responses right here.

With the regular season underway, share your first impressions of the team.

The Lightning didn’t have the opportunity to ease into the 2013-14 campaign. Having already played the Boston Bruins (twice), Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings, the Lightning have had the chance to test their skills against some of the league’s best. If someone had come to you a month ago and told you that the Lightning would compile a 5-3-0 record to start the season with that schedule, you probably would have been a very happy fan.

Aside from one bad game against the Bruins, the Lightning have managed to remain more than competitive with teams that are considered Stanley Cup contenders. With victories in the books against the Blackhawks and Kings, and a couple of strong performances against the Penguins and Bruins, it’s clear that this Tampa Bay Lightning team has what it takes to be competitive in the Atlantic Division. The challenge now is making sure that the good habits stick around until April, and hopefully beyond.

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Now it’s time for you to have your say. What are your early season impressions? Let me know in the comments section.

As always, thanks for reading.

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