2022-2023 NLL Lacrosse ‘Pickems – Week 17

All season long the All Lacrosse All The Time Crew will put together their picks for the upcoming week of NLL games.

Week Sixteen Totals:

Shawn………………..3-5
Ryan…………………..5-3
“Muffler” Mike……3-5
Gary…………………..5-3

Year to Date:

Gary…………………..62-32
Shawn……………….59-35
Ryan………………….56-38
“Muffler” Mike…..51-43

Week Seventeen:

“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk:

SD @ PCLC

Panther City. Week 17 in the NLL is brought to you by the words “Must” and “Win”, in that order. Panther City finds a way to do just that, closing the gap in the West Division.

TOR @ ALB

Toronto. Expect a carbon copy of last week, where the FireWolves keep it close until late. But the Rock have too much firepower and too much to lose to afford dropping a game against a last-place team.

HFX @ PHI

Philadelphia. Must-win for both teams. The Wings, looking to avenge that embarrassing season opener, are on a different level than they were back in December, plus they’re at home.

GA @ NY

New York. A .500 record will likely still be good enough to make the playoffs. The Riptide keep their hopes alive (and hamper the Swarm’s hopes) in their final home game of the regular season.

CGY @ SASK

Saskatchewan. The Rush are on life support, so it’s yet another must-win game. Look for trade deadline acquisition Rhys Duch to ignite the Rush offense.

BUF @ SD

San Diego. The Seals will take out the frustration of the previous night’s loss against the top team in the league.

COL @ VAN

Colorado. Last week’s win over Buffalo is the catalyst the Mammoth needed to start getting hot at the right time. The Warriors, while improved as of late, just can’t catch a break.

ROC @ LV

Rochester. The Knighthawks know that Buffalo and Toronto still have to play each other twice. This scenario presents them a chance to move up in the standings and grab a home playoff game with every win outside of those matchups.

Shawn Slaght:

San Diego vs Panther City

Pick – San Diego

An important battle in the west. This game I think is a bit of a coin flip, but I think the Seals have too much firepower to overcome for Panther City.

Toronto vs Albany

Pick – Toronto

I can’t see this one being very close. Albany is in their way towards a rebuild and Toronto needs the win to contend for first in the East. The Rock will give the Firewolves all they can handle.

Halifax vs Philadelphia

Pick – Philadelphia

A big game if the East hopes to get the Wild Card spot over teams in the West. The acquisition of Mitch Jones has paid dividends for the Wings and it’ll show once again in the pivotal game.

Georgia vs New York

Pick – New York

Normally I would go with Georgia, but I think New York has found their goaltender in Cameron Dunkerley. As long as the New York defence can limit Lyle Thompson they’ll have a good chance.

Calgary vs Saskatchewan

Pick – Saskatchewan

This is do-or-die for the Rush. Win and they are still in the playoff race. Lose and their playoff chances fade. Look for Rhys Duch to make an immediate impact.

Buffalo vs San Diego

Pick – Buffalo

Two of the top teams going head-to-head. This will be the measuring stick for San Diego. I’m giving Buffalo the edge because of goaltending.

Colorado vs Vancouver

Pick – Colorado

A similar scenario as the Rush, Colorado wants to stay in the playoff hunt. Vancouver is improving, but Colorado has more on the line.

Rochester vs Las Vegas

Pick – Rochester

The Knighthawks have been the surprise of the league. I think the upstart Desert Dogs will have a hard time getting balls by Hartley.

Gary Groob:

San Diego vs. PCLC

San Diego wins.

Although Panther City has made great strides this year, I still think San Diego is the class of the division.   The offense that can be generated by the Seals will be difficult to match on the PCLC side.

Toronto vs. Albany

Toronto wins.

The Rock had a rare off week last week, but will need to be on their game to stay with the Bandits.  Look for Challen Rogers to be back in the lineup.  Rose will frustrate the FireWolves shooters again.

Halifax vs. Philadelphia

Halifax wins.

The Thunderbirds are a strong offensive unit, and will make any lapse in the Wings defense pay.  Look for Ryan Benesch, Chris Boushy, and Clarke Petterson to have big games.

Georgia vs. New York

Georgia wins.

This is the game of the week for sheer interest sake.  Teat vs. Thompson!!  I think the Swarm defense and goaltending is just a bit better than the Riptide’s.   Offensively thus will be a fun game to watch.

Calgary vs. Saskatchewan

Calgary wins.

Although thus is as close as a must win game as Saskatchewan can have, I still feel the transition game from Calgary, as well as the Christian Del Bianco factor will be enough to push Calgary to another “W”.

Buffalo vs. San Diego

Buffalo wins.

A tired San Diego unit against a juggernaut like the Bandits.  Matt Vinc vs. Frank Scigliano.  With the Bandits being embarrassed last week against Colorado, they will come out with a chip on their shoulder.

Colorado vs. Vancouver

Colorado wins.

If the championship Mammoth team has returned, look out Vancouver.   Colorado looked scary good against the Bandits, and was able to control the pace of the game.  This game will not be as challenging.

Rochester vs. Las Vegas

Rochester wins.

Although Vegas has been playing better, Rochester is a bonafide top echelon team in the league.  This team is one of the most balanced teams with lots of offense, stiffling defense, and great goaltending.   Vegas is getting better, but still has a little way to go.

Ryan McMichael:

SD vs. PCLC

San Diego

Toronto vs. Albany

Toronto

Halifax vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia

Georgia vs. New York

New York

Calgary vs. Saskatchewan

Calgary

Buffalo vs. SD

Buffalo

Colorado vs. Vancouver

Colorado

Rochester vs. Las Vegas

Las Vegas

Don’t forget to check us out every Sunday night at 9pm (ET)