All season long the All Lacrosse All The Time Crew will put together their picks for the upcoming week of NLL games.
Week 4:
“Muffler” Mike…3-1
Shawn……………..3-1
Gary…………………3-1
Pat…………………..2-2
Caden……………..4-0
Standings:
Gary…………………13-4 .764
“Muffler” Mike..11-6 .646
Shawn……………..10-7 .588
Pat…………………….9-8 .529
Caden……………….9-8 .529
Week 5 picks:
“Muffler” Mike:
Saskatchewan vs. Halifax
Halifax. The Thunderbirds are coming off a road win over the defending champs, while the Rush struggled in the fourth quarter for a second straight game, and have been uncharacteristically undisciplined so far this season.
Philadelphia vs. Ottawa
Philadelphia. With both teams being notorious for having slow starts to games, I’m betting on Deacan Knott to step up for the Wings in net in a pressure situation with Nick Damude likely having to serve a one game suspension for his fight last week.
Las Vegas vs. Toronto
Las Vegas. The return of Jack Hannah to the Desert Dogs can only benefit a young and hungry Vegas team as they look to build on last week’s wild win over Ottawa.
Georgia vs. Colorado
Colorado. Based on the performances I’ve seen so far, the goaltending matchup here is even. Where my concern lies is with a Georgia offense that has been lackluster since Week 1.
Buffalo vs. Calgary
Calgary. They may have only played two games through four weeks (both away), but the Roughnecks are the only winless team remaining in the league. That already means there’s a hint of desperation as they head into their home opener.
Shawn:
Saskatchewan vs Halifax
Pick – Halifax
Since the beginning of the season the Rush haven’t been able to put together a full 60 minutes. Combined with the resurgence of Warren Hill, I have to go with the Thunderbirds.
Philadelphia vs Ottawa
Pick – Ottawa
Two teams I just can’t get a grip on. Philly’s defense has drastically improved and it’ll be interesting to see Damude has to sit due to the goalie fight and Deacon Knott gets the start. Ottawa has been very inconsistent, again, but I think they have the advantage in fire power.
Las Vegas vs Toronto
Pick – Toronto
I went back and forth on this one. Jack Hannah potentially could swing the tide if he is back in the line up for Vegas. However, I’m still not sold on the goaltending situation for the Desert Dogs especially against this young high-powered Rock offence.
Georgia vs Colorado
Pick – Colorado
I’m extremely concerned about Georgia’s offence. Lyle Thompson has gone missing and the rest of the line up looks lost without him. Colorado has been a pleasant surprise and Dillon Ward looks back in fine form.
Buffalo vs Calgary
Pick – Buffalo
This Roughnecks team has turned a lot of heads. However, can they knock off the defending champs. I think this will be a close one but the Bandits’ experience will come out on top.
Gary:
Saskatchewan vs. Halifax
Halifax wins.
Although I like the Rush team, I have said since the preseason Halifax is the most well rounded team in the league. Saskatchewan has yet to play a full sixty minutes, and if they do that again here, it could get ugly.
Philadelphia vs. Ottawa
Ottawa wins.
Rochester exposed some cracks in th Wings defense last week. Also, the Philadelphia offense will need to be at it’s very best. Look for Teat, Kearnan, O’Connor, Hellyer and Sundown to all have big nights. Zach Higgins will also bring his “A” game in his return to Philly.
Las Vegas vs. Toronto
Toronto wins.
Do not sell this Rock team short. They are strong on defense, and are starting to gel on offense. Everyone talked about the Vegas moves, but with Kirst, Hiltz, English, Rogers, Dawick, Craig, Boushy and Matthews, the Rock are stacked offensively. I’ll also give to edge to Rose over Kells in net in this match-up.
Georgia vs. Colorado
Colorado wins.
With a healthy Dillon Ward in net, this could be another long day at the office for the Georgia Swarm. While the Swarm have been solid defensively, the offense has been anemic. For the Swarm to get on track Lyle Thompson needs to get on track. If he isn’t on his game, this could be another rough offensive outing.
Buffalo vs. Calgary
Buffalo wins.
Calgary is a good squad with a strong defense, and I think they will give Buffalo a run for their money. However, this Bandits group is rested, and ready. They are a 3x champion for a reason. Look for another big day from Dhane, Josh, and Ian MacKay.
Pat:
Saskatchewan vs. Halifax
Saskatchewan Rush
Philadelphia vs. Ottawa
Ottawa Black Bears
Las Vegas vs. Toronto
Toronto Rock
Georgia vs. Colorado
Colorado Mammoth
Buffalo vs. Calgary
Buffalo Bandits
Caden:
Saskatchewan vs. Halifax
Halifax-
Halifax just picked up a major win last week over the defending champs and I will see them continuing with this momentum with a win over a Rush team who can’t put together a full 60 minutes on the floor.
Philadelphia vs. Ottawa
Ottawa-
I know the Black Bears just took the L last week against Las Vegas, but with Deacan Knott starting his first game of the season, I just predict Jeff Teat to finally step up and take over a game. Let it be here.
Las Vegas vs. Toronto
Las Vegas-
I picked them last week, and the dawgs were howling. Let’s go back-to-back-to-back Vegas picks. Give me the Desert Dogs taking the win with a returning Jack Hannah leading the charge.
Georgia vs. Colorado
Colorado-
As mentioned above, George’s offense has seemingly disappeared. Yes I know everyone says defense wins championships, but right now their defense isn’t winning anything either. Give me the Mammoth, they have been able to find consistent offense.
Buffalo vs. Calgary
Buffalo-
I’m taking the Bandits here, I know they just suffered a rough loss, but they are taking on a winless Roughnecks team and I don’t foresee Calgary picking up a victory over a angry Buffalo squad.
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