Early Season Gems

The season is only a week old, but there are already some early jewels that have surfaced inside Tri-Hard! While I'm not accustomed to being a premature analyst like some meat-heads out there ("HEY!" cried Sitch), I do feel these early season gems are worth noting.

And, for the record, early season gems consist of overachievers, surprise draft selections and REAL Rudy-esque players, if you will. They don't include the likes of undisputed top picks or keeper picks.

"Outrageous! Come on, what about the Crosbone?!" whined Burgundy.

Where's Frodo?

1. VICTOR HEDMAN, D [TB] - OWNED BY DICK BURNS

Selected in the eighth round (40th overall), Dick Burns has uncovered a gem in Tampa's Hedman. Slightly forgotten due to the emergence of country-man Erik Karlsson, Hedman is now showing why he was the second overall pick in 2009 (after John Tavares, before Matt Duchene - talk about a deep draft!). Dick has banked 3 G and 4 A with Hedman, good for 26.15 fantasy points so far.

"What can I say?" commented Dick Burns. "I'm a good HED-Hunter (chuckles)."

Oh Dick; you and your puns.

2. MARK GIORDANO, D [CGY] - OWNED BY DICK BURNS

Wow, who would have thought Giordano would be one of the leading defensive scorers in the early going of the season? (On a pretty weak Calgary roster, might I add.) Once again, Dick Burns used his "HED-hunting" skills and picked up Giordano in the 15th round (71st overall) and has profited handsomely. Giordano has 1 G and 4 A under the wings of Dick Burns.

"What can I say?" commented Dick Burns. "I really hit the MARK on that pick."

That's enough, Dick.

Apparently he's captain, too!

3. ANTTI NIEMI, G [SJ] - OWNED BY TREE BONE

Selected in the ninth round (43rd overall), Tree Bone is proving to the world that SJ isn't dead yet. Niemi boasts a 0.920 save percentage and has recorded two wins, including a shutout in one of them, good for 18.75 fantasy points. When you compare that to notable names like Rask (only 4.50 fantasy points so far) and Lundqvist (a disastrous -14.25 fantasy points so far), both who were selected in the first round, Niemi is a bona fide Rudy!

"He's delightful!" cheered Tree Bone.

"Please... don't remind me of Lundqvist," said Sitch, chewing on a multi-protein assortment.

4. CORY SCHNEIDER, G [NJ] - OWNED BY BURGUNDY

Schneider went undrafted in this year's Tri-Hard! but has been a sweet free agent pick-up for Burgundy. Lots of people figured Schneider may be a lost cause after landing in NJ but he's been quietly doing his job. Burgs has benefited from two wins and a 0.963 save percentage thus far from Schneider.

"He's saving more than Costco members!" said a happy Burgundy.

5. PEKKA RINNE, G [NSH] - OWNED BY SITCH & JEFF CARTER, C/RW [LA] - OWNED BY SAFARI

RINNE - Perhaps three years ago Rinne would have been a no-brainer first or second round selection. However, injuries plagued the world-class goalie last year and his lower draft ranking was a by-product. But, Sitch picked him up in the 11th round (55th overall) and he has been good. Two wins and a 0.918 save percentage ain't to shabby for a goalie coming off hip surgery.

Sitch pumps fist, clenches teeth.

CARTER - Carter is not necessarily a surprising pick; he's known to score regularly and will generate decent points for any select-GM. However, he was a somewhat late selection in the 11th round (54th overall) and Safari has benefited from his play (2 G, 2 A) and received 17.25 fantasy points from him thus far.

"Watch out Dick; I'm coming for yas," commented Safari, currently sitting second behind Dick Burns.

Who's gonna take it?

"Hey Safari, thanks for keeping that silver seat warm all these years," said Dick Burns, perched atop the Tri-Hard! rankings. "Really makes a difference."

"Well then, I must congratulate you on keeping the basement of the Randy League's smelling like elephant shit," retorted Safari.

Gentlemen, please.

Until next time, gentlemen and lady.