All season long the All Lacrosse All The Time Crew will put together their picks for the upcoming week of NLL games.
Week 11:
“Muffler” Mike…2-4
Shawn……………..5-1
Gary…………………5-1
Pat…………………..4-2
Caden………………4-2
Standings:
Pat…………………..38-21 .644
Shawn……………..38-21 .644
Gary…………………36-23 .610
“Muffler” Mike…32-27 .599
Caden………………31-28 .525
Week 12 picks:
“Muffler” Mike:
Colorado vs. Las Vegas
Colorado. This Mammoth team looks scarier as each win piles up. Their new-look offense will expose an uneven Desert Dogs defense.
Buffalo vs. Halifax
Halifax. Both teams are reeling, but the Thunderbirds seem less shell-shocked from it than the Bandits, plus the Thunderbirds are home and already have a win over Buffalo this season.
Ottawa vs. Rochester
Ottawa. It may not seem like it, but for the Black Bears, this is another statement game. Once again, it’s time for this team to take that next step.
San Diego vs. Oshawa
San Diego. The Seals will shake off the stain of losing a game they should have won last week by taking out their frustrations on the FireWolves and staying perfect on the road.
Vancouver vs. Saskatchewan
Vancouver. Could this be a preview of the Finals? If not, it could be their only meeting this season, and the little brother has decided he won’t be pushed around anymore.
Philadelphia vs. Calgary
Philadelphia. Buoyed by a gritty win over the defending champs, the Wings extend the Roughnecks’ winless streak at home this year.
Toronto vs. Colorado
Colorado. While I like the Rock have played as of late, especially the play of Troy Holowchuk in net for the injured NIck Rose, there’s too much firepower on this Mammoth squad, even on the back end of a doubleheader. Speaking of the back end, Dillon Ward should be the only other potential choice besides Brett Dobson for Goaltender of the Year right now.
Georgia vs. Calgary
Georgia. In a rather cruel twist of fate, the Roughnecks get a team that routed them once before on the back end of their doubleheader. Pretty certain no one had Calgary being winless at home through their first five games on their bingo card.
Shawn:
Colorado vs. Las Vegas
Pick – Colorado
The Mammoths are just playing at a different level right now, and it’s safe to say they are a contender. While I think Las Vegas’s offence can keep up, I can see the Desert Dogs’ defence and goaltending folding.
Buffalo vs. Halifax
Pick – Buffalo
Yes, the Bandits are reeling at the moment, and the loss to Philly hurts. That being said, if Halifax a) doesn’t show any hustle and b) is undisciplined, the Bandits are still dangerous enough to take advantage.
Ottawa vs. Rochester
Pick – Rochester
Even though I’m banking on the fact Rylan Hartley likely will not play, I’m still giving the advantage to the Knighthawks. Rochester just has a bit more depth in scoring than Ottawa.
San Diego vs. Oshawa
Pick – San Diego
Although the Seals lost to Saskatchewan last week, I wouldn’t read too much into it. Oshawa is still a head-scratcher and needs to figure out their scoring.
Vancouver vs. Saskatchewan
Pick – Saskatchewan
This feels like anything but a lock. Both teams are deep with solid goaltending. My prediction is Vancouver takes an early lead, but the younger Rush team grinds them down late to pull off the win.
Philadelphia vs. Calgary
Pick – Philadelphia
The Wings are flying high, and I don’t blame them. They have the momentum after a big win over Buffalo. Calgary, on the other hand, has disappointed me. I thought they had the pieces to be competitive but have fallen off a cliff.
Toronto vs. Colorado
Pick – Colorado
Logic says the Colorado would be coming into this game tired. I get the feeling with this team, game one will just be a warm up. I think this Rock team but they are up against a team brimming with confidence.
Georgia vs. Calgary
Pick – Georgia
Brett Dobson is playing out of this world and if Calgary wants to win this one they need to keep it a low scoring game. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be the case.
Gary:
Colorado vs. Las Vegas
Colorado wins.
Along with Saskatchewan, the Mammoth are the hottest team in the league. While the Desert Dogs have a good offense, their defense can be suspect. Look for a big game from Hannah and Kew.
Buffalo vs. Halifax
Halifax wins.
At the beginning of the year, I would’ve thought this game might be for first place. However, both teams have had their troubles this season. While Buffalo can still put up a lot of offense, I think Halifax is primed for a good outing.
Ottawa vs. Rochester
Rochester wins.
With all the drama of the Vancouver series behind them, the Knighthawks can concentrate on playing again. Look for Smith and Fields to have big games. Can Ottawa get the entire offense going in this game?
San Diego vs. Oshawa
San Diego wins.
Recently San Diego has looked like the Seals of old, and this isn’t good news for the FireWolves. Multiple players scoring, with tight defense will get the Seals the “W”.
Vancouver vs. Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan wins.
This could be the final this year! Both teams are rolling. I give a slight edge to the home team, who is a bit deeper in their lineup.
Philadelphia vs. Calgary
Philadelphia wins.
Philadelphia looked good the last couple of weeks. Last week’s win against Buffalo did wonders for their confidence. Calgary made a shrewd move picking up Jacob Dunbar, but will it be enough?
Toronto vs. Colorado
Toronto wins.
Toronto is playing well! The rookies have all acclimated themselves to NLL play. While Colorado is hot, this is the back end of a tough two game weekend.
Georgia vs. Calgary
Georgia wins.
Georgia has been really good defensively, and now the offense has woken up. Look for them to run a tired Calgary lineup all around the Saddledome floor.
Pat:
Colorado vs. Las Vegas
Colorado
Buffalo vs. Halifax
Halifax
Ottawa vs. Rochester
Rochester
San Diego vs. Oshawa
San Diego
Vancouver vs. Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Philadelphia vs. Calgary
Philadelphia
Toronto vs. Colorado
Toronto
Georgia vs. Calgary
Georgia
Caden:
Colorado vs. Las Vegas
Pick: Colorado Mammoth
Colorado’s sitting comfortably near the top of the league and plays more disciplined box lacrosse overall. Las Vegas can score but tilts toward inconsistency. I’m rolling with the Mammoth to get it done. (Odds slightly favor Colorado too according to recent lines.)
Buffalo vs. Halifax
Pick: Buffalo Bandits
Buffalo might not be as dominant as last season yet they’re still a title contender and have been in the big moments. Halifax has talent but Buffalo’s experience and playoff DNA give them the edge here.
Ottawa vs. Rochester
Pick: Rochester Knighthawks
Rochester’s been rock-solid in recent seasons and statistically should be a bit healthier at both ends. Ottawa’s scrappy but Rochester gets the nod in what should be a closer game than some expect.
San Diego vs. Oshawa
Pick: San Diego Seals
San Diego has more balance and experience, especially offensively. Oshawa is fighting hard but hasn’t shown enough consistency yet. I like the Seals to win here.
Vancouver vs. Saskatchewan
Pick: Saskatchewan Rush
This is tricky — both are top teams. But Saskatchewan’s the best record in the league and plays that disciplined, low-turnover style that wins close games. Vancouver can score in bunches, but my gut says Rush win a tight one.
Philadelphia vs. Calgary
Pick: Calgary Roughnecks
Both teams are toward the bottom of the standings, but Calgary has more firepower and has shown flashes despite the record. Philly’s offense is a bit too inconsistent for my liking.
Toronto vs. Colorado
Pick: Colorado Mammoth
Colorado’s upper-tier and Toronto is middling at best this season — I’d take the Mammoth here confidently.
Georgia vs. Calgary
Pick: Georgia Swarm
Georgia’s been solid and more balanced overall. Calgary is improving but Georgia has enough offense to pull away.
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