All season long the All Lacrosse All The Time Crew will put together their picks for the upcoming week of NLL games.
Week 5:
“Muffler” Mike…1-4
Shawn……………..2-3
Gary…………………2-3
Pat…………………..3-2
Caden………………3-2
Standings:
Gary…………………15-7 .681
“Muffler” Mike..12-10 .545
Shawn……………..12-10 .545
Pat…………………..12-10 .545
Caden………………12-10 .545
Week 6 picks:
“Muffler” Mike:
Halifax vs. Saskatchewan
Halifax. The first of a number of back-to-back home-and-home series this season (many of which I predict will end in series splits). The Thunderbirds will exact some revenge here for the game they should have won at home last week.
Ottawa vs. Oshawa
Ottawa. Gotta go with the team that averages well over 6 goals per game and didn’t just put their faceoff specialist on season-ending IR.
Las Vegas vs. Buffalo
Las Vegas. Momentum, momentum, momentum…I believe the Desert Dogs have more of it right now – enough to escape Banditland with an upset and an early lead in the Tucker Out Lymphoma Cup.
Rochester vs. Colorado
Rochester. After the drubbing the Mammoth took last week, it’s hard to imagine the Knighthawks won’t cruise to a win, even if Rylan Hartley sits out due to a suspension for the goalie fight two weeks ago.
Calgary vs. San Diego
San Diego. Both teams looked bad in their most recent outings. But the Seals have had to stew on it for two weeks, and will be chomping at the bit to get back in the win column.
Shawn:
Halifax vs Saskatchewan
Pick – Saskatchewan
A couple of observations from last weekend when these two teams met: 1) Halifax is susceptible to giving up transition goals and 2) Saskatchewan, even though they took a lot of penalties themselves, capitalized on an undisciplined Halifax team. This will be another close one, but I think those two reasons give Saskatchewan the edge.
Oshawa vs Ottawa
Pick – Ottawa
Losing Joe Nardella for the season is a massive blow for Oshawa, and we’ve seen in the past how quickly things can go downhill for the Firewolves with him out of the lineup. For Ottawa, when they decide to turn it on, they can compete with anyone.
Las Vegas vs Buffalo
Pick – Buffalo
Is Las Vegas the real deal now? This will be the measuring stick. I’m interested to see how Landon Kells holds up against this potent Buffalo offense. I’m giving the Bandits the slight edge in what is likely a high-scoring affair.
Rochester vs Colorado
Pick – Rochester
The Mammoth made some noise this week trading for Jack Hannah. I’m just not sure it will be enough to topple a very, very deep Rochester roster.
Calgary vs San Diego
Pick – Calgary
I’ll be honest, the Roughnecks have been a surprise to me. Until late in the game, they gave the Bandits a run for their money last weekend. Meanwhile, the Seals have had their ups and downs, and I’m just seeing a bit more consistency out of Calgary.
Gary:
Halifax vs Saskatchewan
Halifax wins.
It was within an eyelash in the last game. I just don’t see the Thunderbirds losing two straight. However, if Halifax takes penalties, that will be their undoing.
Oshawa vs Ottawa
Ottawa wins.
Oshawa is having a rough spell offensively, and losing Joe Nardella on faceoffs for the year is another big blow. Goaltending has been great, and defense has been fairly strong, but only scoring an average of five goals won’t win them anything. On the other hand Ottawa is rolling. The offense has been strong, and Zach Higgins has looked good in the Black Bears net.
Las Vegas vs Buffalo
Las Vegas wins.
This is my upset of the week, and also my game of the week. Las Vegas is starting to become the team we thought they would be in the off season. Landon Kells has been great recently, and can solidify his reputation with a good showing against the Bandits. Although the Bandits are 2-1, they haven’t been quite as dominant as in the past. This game will either shut up or fuel their critics.
Rochester vs Colorado
Rochester wins.
The Knighthawks are for real! This team appears to have no weaknesses. Colorado had a rough outing last week against the Swarm last week, and this could be more of the same. Although this is a road game, I just don’t see Rochester slowing down.
Calgary vs San Diego
San Diego wins.
Calgary is better than we gave them credit for, but San Diego is a top contender. I think Aden Walsh will be tested early in Calgary’s net. If the Roughnecks are able to withstand the early attack, they could upset the Seals.
Pat:
Halifax vs Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Oshawa vs Ottawa
Ottawa
Las Vegas vs Buffalo
Buffalo
Rochester vs Colorado
Rochester
Calgary vs San Diego
San Diego
Caden:
Halifax vs Saskatchewan
Halifax-
A rematch of last week and I just can’t see the Thunderbirds losing to the Rush. Keep up the positive momentum.
Oshawa vs Ottawa
Ottawa-
Jeff Teat finally seems like he’s arrived this season. And the woes keep continuing for the FireWolves. Give me the Black Bears
Las Vegas vs Buffalo
Buffalo-
While I really like the way Vegas is trending, I need to see something absolutely outstanding before I can pick them over Buffalo. Give me the Bandits, but I can SMELL the upset in the air.
Rochester vs Colorado
Rochester-
Let the Knighthawks continue their dominance as they push for glory. While the Mammoth did beef up their roster with the Hannah trade as mentioned, I don’t see Rochester losing.
Calgary vs San Diego
San Diego-
With the Seals being off for two weeks, they have a chance to get back in the win column, and as Mike mentioned, they are HUNGRY for a W. While Calgary almost came way with a victory over the defending champs, I don’t see them picking up a win over the Seals.
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