Early Season Studs

[blayze]

Yes... I know it's way too early... but I watched a shit load of hockey over the weekend (hell, I'm watching it at work right now), so for what it's worth here are some names that have impressed me so far.

Obviously I couldn't watch all the games, so feel free to add to this list if you covered the other games.


Giroux - his point total doesn't necessarily reflect it, but damn, he looked amazing out there in both games. His 2nd goal was a thing of beauty... a Stamkos-like laser from the circle on the PP... I don't recall him having that in his arsenal last year. WATCH OUT

Neal - I had my reservations about Neal declining this season, but so far he looks amazing. He is picking up right where he left off with Malkin last year... 3 goals in 2 games so far, and a league-leading 14 shots! He also looks like he's playing with more confidence and aggressiveness.

Vanek - I've never been a fan of Vanek... heck that's an understatement, I loathe Vanek... but he ripped the Flyers a new ******* on Sunday. Showed a ton of hustle, and deked Bryzgalov out of his pants on one of the goals (not that that's a big accomplishment or anything). This guy goes up and down like a yo-yo season after season, so this season may be one of those high-points.

Kane & Hossa - Heck, the whole Blackhawks team was impressive, but these two were dynamite. Kaner mentioned in an interview a week ago that he felt he had "something to prove" and admitted he was cocky after his 88-point stanley cup season and the subsequent downfall was sobering for him. I think this cocky little shithead is finally maturing and I'm expecting a big-time resurgence from him this season (which is why I drafted him!)

Rask - Looked stellar in the home opener against the Rangers and is looking good right now against the Jets. He's another guy with something to prove and he's my darkhorse pick for Vezina this year.

Edler - He's playing a LOT more aggressively than last year and he's shooting it on the PP more. The addition of Garrison (who has an absolute cannon) frees up a lot of space on the blue-line for him on an already sick powerplay. As long as he's healthy I expect him to be borderline top-5 in points this season.

St. Louis - Looked amazing in the opener, he is in fantastic condition and was his speedy, usual self all-over the ice. I think a bounce-back to 90+ status may be in the cards.

[havanablast21]

Agree with your list so far. I watched the Oil vs Canucks last night and Eberle dazzled. Go check out the replay on his goal.

And a couple shut out shout outs to Halak and Harding. Granted Halak wasn't tested often, but he did what a good goaltender does when not tested, stone walls the opposition. Looking forward to today's match up vs Nashville.

Pounced on 1st place after day 1. Hung on last night. Hopefully Halak can help me distance myself today.

[golfguy1672]

I disagree with Edler being on this list.

I have no doubt he can turn it around and make the season a success but his two games were terrible IMO.

The entire D core blew chunks against Anaheim and Eberle made Edler look foolish on multiple occasions last night.

[blayze]

Originally Posted by golfguy1672

I disagree with Edler being on this list.

I have no doubt he can turn it around and make the season a success but his two games were terrible IMO.

The entire D core blew chunks against Anaheim and Eberle made Edler look foolish on multiple occasions last night.

When you're the #1 defenseman with no other viable options, then shitty defense has little fantasy relevance (other than +/-)... just ask Mike Green.

And the Anaheim game was the product of a 3 minute meltdown... hard to pin that on one player.

[blayze]

Gonna add Seguin to this list... he just had a sick game against the Jets. Single-handedly delivered the only goal to Marchand on a silver platter and won it in the shootout.

I wanted this kid BADLY in my cash pool but narrowly missed out.

[4T2]

Originally Posted by blayze

Gonna add Seguin to this list... he just had a sick game against the Jets. Single-handedly delivered the only goal to Marchand on a silver platter and won it in the shootout.

I wanted this kid BADLY in my cash pool but narrowly missed out.

The goal was to Marchand actually man. Doesn't change your point though. Seguin is going to be a frickin superstar!

[27Blue]

Originally Posted by blayze

Gonna add Seguin to this list... he just had a sick game against the Jets. Single-handedly delivered the only goal to Marchand on a silver platter and won it in the shootout.

I wanted this kid BADLY in my cash pool but narrowly missed out.

cream rises to the top and all, but seguin has barely played 15 minutes in each of the first two games. he has the skill, but he will need more minutes to have his numbers reach his true potential... his ice-time could/should go up, but the bruins are coached the same as the blues and consistent prime ice-time is hard to come by.

[Front89]

Throw in shout outs to Jagr and Selanne who remind us age is but a number....

Nice starts for Tarasenko and Huberdeau as well!

[coldsquad2002]

The Florida Panthers.

[blayze]

Originally Posted by coldsquad2002

The Florida Panthers.

I have little faith that anyone on the Panthers will score 70 (prorated). They may start off hot, but will fizzle eventually just like last year. Not a lot of top-shelf talent on that team.