The All Lacrosse All The Time Crew is back with their Playoff Pick ‘Ems
Playoffs Week 1:
Gary………………..0-0
Shawn……………..0-0
“Muffler” Mike…0-0
Caden……………..0-0
Pat………………….0-0
Playoff Year To Date:
“Muffler” Mike….0-0
Gary………………….0-0
Shawn………………0-0
Caden………………0-0
Pat……………………0-0
Total Year To Date:
Gary…………………73-53 57.9%
Pat…………………..70-56 55.5%
Shawn……………..70-56 55.5%
Caden………………70-56 55.5%
“Muffler” Mike…63-63 50%
Playoffs Week 1
“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk:
SD @ BUF
San Diego. We’ve seen two one-goal games between these teams already, with home field being meaningless. This time, the Seals are fully healthy, while the Bandits are struggling to replicate the aura of dominance they displayed during the first 1/3 of the season.
CGY @ HFX
Calgary. It may be Halifax’s first home playoff game, but don’t forget that the Roughnecks won an 18-17 thriller in Halifax all the way back in Week 2. Add to this a top-ranked power play unit against one of the more penalty-prone teams in the league, and the addition of Nick Rose, and you have a recipe for an upset.
GA @ SASK
Saskatchewan. Both teams are inconsistent at the moment – the Rush are 4-3 in their last seven, while the Swarm started 4-0 and were 7-4 before finishing 9-9. However, the Rush appears to be the better team at bouncing back, as they did not lose two consecutive games all season. Expect a raucous home crowd to help push the Rush into the semifinals.
ROC @ VAN
Vancouver. This should be the game of the weekend, with the Warriors on a 6-game win streak and owning the best home record in the league. Meanwhile, the Knighthawks have returned to the upper echelon of teams since Rylan Hartley got back into the lineup. Goals will be at a premium between Hartley and Christian Del Bianco minding the nets. I’m giving the slightest of edges to the Warriors’ defense and transition, which I believe will ultimately make the difference in this game.
Shawn Slaght:
San Diego vs Buffalo
Pick – Buffalo
Surprisingly, this is the one pick I really don’t feel comfortable with. Despite the big crowds, Buffalo hasn’t played great in Banditland. However, this is a veteran-laden team that can turn it on when it matters. Don’t get me wrong, this is going to be a one-goal game.
Calgary vs Halifax
Pick – Halifax
I think Calgary will be fighting an uphill battle. Halifax is hosting its first-ever playoff game, and you know the crowd will be raucous. It’ll be hostile territory for the Roughnecks, and if they can’t silence the crowd early, it could be a long night.
Georgia vs Saskatchewan
Pick – Saskatchewan
The wild card here will be goaltending. Can Frank Scigliano shake his reputation for falling in the playoffs? Which Brett Dobson shows up? Regardless, this Rush team will be a force to be reckoned with.
Rochester vs Vancouver
Pick – Vancouver
It goes without saying this is the game to watch this weekend. These are the two hottest teams coming into the playoffs. I’m giving the slight edge to Vancouver because Christian Del Bianco is just that good.
Gary Groob:
San Diego vs. Buffalo
Buffalo wins.
I went back and forth a bit on this pick. San Diego beat the Bandits in Banditland, and almost did it a second time at home. Buffalo hasn’t looked great in the second half of the season, and injuries have reared their ugly heads there as well. But a 2 time defending champion deserves the benefit of the doubt. This will be one heck of a game.
Calgary vs. Halifax
Halifax wins.
The Thunderbirds are a very complete team now. They are tough, they can score and have great goaltending. While Calgary is known for big scoring, they are a little inconsistent for me to pick them.
Georgia vs. Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan wins.
I love the make up of Saskatchewan. They are young, fast, and Scigliano has been steady as a rock in net. Couple that with I just can’t figure out the Swarm, and I have to go with the hometown Rush.
Rochester vs. Vancouver
Rochester wins.
I have been saying for weeks how much I really love the make-up of the Knighthawks. They have chemistry, comradery, scoring, defense, transition and goaltending. I think they will give the Warriors fits in this game.
Pat Bernard:
San Diego vs. Buffalo
Buffalo
Calgary vs. Halifax
Halifax
Georgia vs. Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Rochester vs. Vancouver
Rochester
Caden Balint
San Diego vs Buffalo
Pick – Buffalo
Is the three-peat on? Starting off with the Seals might certainly seem so, however the Bandits have really been off in the second half of the season. On top of that the Seals are riding a huge home win over the FireWolves, and are completely healthy. However when the lights shine the brightest, I’ll take the brightest team, give me Buffalo.
Calgary vs Halifax
Pick – Halifax
While all eyes may shift to the Rochester and Vancouver game that will be taking place, I would keep a close eye on this game as it could quietly steal the weekend. The Thunderbirds are starting Hutch over Hill but I do not feel like that is going to make a difference. Give me Halifax.
Georgia vs Saskatchewan
Pick – Saskatchewan
We have talked about how the Swarm have been quite inconsistent. Now yes, they did just sneak into the playoffs, however I really do think that the inconsistencies will rear their heads. On top of that the Rush are ready to give everyone a run for their money.
Rochester vs Vancouver
Pick – Rochester
I have said it before time and time again on the show, the Knighthawks are the dark horses of the playoffs this year, if any team can find the cracks in the armor of the godly CDB, it will be Connor Fields and the Knighthawks.
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