2022-2023 NLL ‘Pickems…Week 6

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

Week Five Totals:

Shawn…………………1-2
Ryan……………………1-2
“Muffler” Mike…….2-1
Gary……………………2-1
John……………………2-1

Year to Date:

Shawn……………….14-6
Ryan………………….10-10
Gary………………….10-10
“Muffler” Mike……9-11
John……………………9-11

“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk:

PHI @ LV

Philadelphia. The Desert Dogs simply don’t have the horses to compete with the Wings right now.

PCLC @ ROC

Panther City. I know Rochester looks good right now, but Panther City will feel the pressure to keep up with the West Division leaders after dropping two in a row.

HFX @ ALB

Albany. The FireWolves have had the Thunderbirds’ number the last couple of years. No reason to believe that will change, even if they get dominated by Jake Withers at the faceoff dot.

BUF @ GA

Buffalo. Unfortunately for the Swarm, despite the talented new personnel, this year is looking more like a rebuilding year with each successive game.

TOR @ NY

New York. One could argue there is even more pressure on the Riptide than on Georgia. However, they will respond against a Toronto team still searching for the dominance that was expected of them this year.

CGY @ COL

Colorado. The Mammoth raise the championship banner, then lower the boom on the team that cursed them for so many years.

VAN @ SD

San Diego. Worst possible timing for a Warriors team that already looks to be imploding. Seals can finally hit cruise control en route to victory.

Shawn Slaght:

Philadelphia vs Las Vegas

Pick – Philadelphia

The Wings may be 1-1 but they aren’t playing up to their potential, so it’s perfect timing that they go up against the expansion team. Las Vegas does have some bright spots, but it’s going to take time putting it all together.

Panther City vs Rochester

Pick – Panther City

I feel like this could be the match of the week. Two teams on the upswing. Panther City gave a very good Rush team all they could handle last week and they’ll come guns a blazin’ against the Knighthawks.

Halifax vs Albany

Pick – Halifax

Despite their loss to Buffalo, Halifax is still the class of the east (you can’t win them all). With Jake Withers at the face off dot, Albany is really going to miss Joe Nardella. Albany will keep it close, but those extra possessions will be the difference.

Buffalo vs Georgia

Pick – Buffalo
Let’s call a spade a spade, Georgia is rebuilding, while Buffalo taking at least one more kick at the can. They defeated Halifax and will want to silence the naysayers.

Toronto vs New York

Pick – Toronto

I’m sure many Rock fans are wondering what is wrong with their team. This team is too good to be sitting at 1-2 and they will right the ship sooner rather than later, and it starts with New York.

Calgary vs Colorado

Pick – Colorado

Calgary is 2–1 but really who have they beaten? A Vancouver squad that isn’t very good. They were exposed against San Diego and it’ll continue against another tough opponent in Colorado.

Vancouver vs San Diego

Pick – San Diego

Even Troy Cordingley knows he doesn’t have a very good team. His fantastic record as a coach speaks for itself but he’s trying to make lemonade out of lemons at this point. Prepare for a Seals blowout.

Gary Groob:

Philadelphia Wings vs. Las Vegas Desert Dogs

Philadelphia wins.

The Wings are a much deeper team, with arguably the best faceoff man in the business.   In their last game, the team started to show cohesion, and will just get stronger from there.  Las Vegas still needs some time to find their identity.

PCLC vs. Rochester

Rochester wins.

I am a believer in what Dan Carey and Mike Hasen have put together, and while I feel this game will be quite close, I feel the Connor Fields, Holden Cattoni, Thomas Hoggarth led offense will really test the Panther City defense.  Rylan Hartley in net will have another stellar game.

Buffalo Bandits vs. Georgia Swarm

Buffalo wins.

Bad timing for Georgia! While I think this team will be a decent team this year, they are running into a buzz saw in the Bandits offense. Byrne, Smith, Nanticoke and Kyle Buchanan all are playing healthy and strong. The defense is punishing, and with Matt Vinc playing like Vinc of old in net, Georgia is in for a long night.

Toronto Rock vs. New York Riptide

Toronto Wins.

The Rock have struggled this season, but I think this is the week they right the ship. The veteran leadership will take charge giving Steve Orelman a lot of work in the Riptide net. Look for the “Dans” to have big evenings (Craig and Dawson).

Halifax Thunderbirds vs. Albany FireWolves

Halifax wins.

While Halifax dropped a game to Buffalo last week, they are still the most complete team in the league. With Benesch, Shanks, Staats, Boushy, and Petterson the offense will be flying. Albany will put up a good fight, but I give the edge to the Thunderbirds.

Calgary Roughnecks vs. Colorado Mammoth

Colorado wins.

The Mammoth have shaken off the rust and are playing like the champions they are. Calgary had a good showing in the second half of last week’s game, but they were already down big time. Until they show they can play a full 60 minutes I am still cautious to choose them.

Vancouver Warriors vs. San Diego Seals

San Diego wins.

I think this is the most lopsided game of the week.  A victory for Vancouver will be if they can keep the game close.  I think the powerful Seals offense will have a field day in Vancouver.

John Craig:

Wings v Desert Dogs

PICK Wings

PCLC v Knighthawks

PICK Knighthawks

Thunderbirds v Fire Wolves

PICK Thunderbirds

Bandits v Swarm

PICK I don’t believe I’m saying this…… Bandits

Rock v Riptide

PICK Rock

Roughnecks v Mammoth

PICK Mammoth

Warriors v Seals

PICK Seals…..Sorry Troy even with a harpoon I don’t think you could beat the Seals!

Ryan McMichael:

Philadelphia Wings vs. Las Vegas Desert Dogs

Las Vegas

PCLC vs. Rochester Knighthawks

PCLC

Toronto Rock vs. New York Riptide

Toronto

Halifax Thunderbirds vs. Albany FireWolves

Halifax

Buffalo Bandits vs. Georgia Swarm

Buffalo

Calgary Roughnecks vs. Colorado Mammoth

Calgary

Vancouver Warriors vs. San Diego Seals

San Diego

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