2022-2023 NLL ‘Pickems – Week Fourteen

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

Week Thirteen Totals:

Shawn…………………2-3
Ryan……………………3-2
“Muffler” Mike…….2-3
Gary……………………2-3

Year to Date:

Gary…………………..48-24
Shawn……………….46-26
Ryan………………….42-30
“Muffler” Mike…..38-34

Week Fourteen:

“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk:

BUF @ HFX

Buffalo. The Nest is a tough place to play, but it’s even tougher to bet against the Bandits, despite the numerous injuries.

NY @ PHI

Philadelphia. If the Wings are going to make a push for the playoffs this year, the double-home doubleheader this weekend has to be where they start.

LV @ SD

Las Vegas. The Desert Dogs went undefeated in February and have won 4 of their last 5. The Seals haven’t played in 2 weeks and haven’t won in 4 weeks.

ROC @ TOR

Toronto. The Rock are out to avenge the Week 2 loss and salvage a split of the season series.

GA @ ALB

Georgia. The Swarm build off last weekend’s win, but is it too late for a playoff push? Albany becomes the newest entrant in the Dyson Williams sweepstakes.

SASK @ PCLC

Panther City. Another must-win for PC, to both split the season series with the Rush and stay in the Wild Card position.

TOR @ PHI

Philadelphia. The Wings take advantage of a tired Rock team that has to travel on a Monday, and get back into the race for the last secure playoff spot in the East.

Shawn Slaght:

Buffalo vs Halifax

Pick – Buffalo

Halifax is a tough team to get a read on. They are likely looking at that fourth playoff spot in the East but they need to find some consistency. Meanwhile, Buffalo keeps rolling head to top of the standings and getting Chase Fraser back only helps.

New York vs Philadelphia

Pick – Philadelphia

This should be a good one as both teams have improved from the beginning of the year. I have to go with Philly as the Mitch Jones trade made them the more rounded team.

Las Vegas vs San Diego

Pick – San Diego

Asked me a few weeks ago and I’d say this would be a cakewalk for San Diego. However, Las Vegas is starting to find its identity. Right now I this Vegas is punching above their weight class. It’ll be close but the Seals will come out on top.

Rochester vs Toronto

Pick – Toronto

This has got to be game of the week and could likely settle first place in the east. While I really like what I’m seeing from Rochester, I think this game means too much for the Rock.

Georgia vs Albany

Pick – Georgia

Not much to say here. Something is wrong in Firewolves land and it’s not good. You can only use injuries as an excuse for so long.

Saskatchewan vs Panther City

Pick – Panther City

Being a Saskatchewanian it pains me to make this pick. The Rush have a great team but once again goaltending is becoming questionable. Buque has not played well in two of the last three games and he’s known to slide in the latter half of the season. Yet, on the other side of the floor, Nick Damude doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.

Toronto vs Philadelphia

Pick – Toronto

It’s a tough schedule for Toronto but I get the feeling this team thrives on being out on the floor. I feel like Philly is good enough to keep it close but won’t have the horses to pull out the win.

Gary Groob:

Buffalo vs. Halifax

Buffalo wins.

Through all the injuries, the Bandits have still found ways to win.  There is enough firepower on Buffalo to match Halifax, but what separates them from the Thunderbirds is Matt Vinc in net.  

New York vs. Philadelphia

New York wins.

The Riptide came within an eyelash of beating Rochester last week.  They are finally getting production from more than just Jeff Teat.  Throw in a solid transition game, and the Riptide should come away with the win.

Las Vegas vs. San Diego

San Diego wins.

While I don’t think this will be a blowout, I definitely give the edge to a rested San Diego team.  There is far too much firepower on the Seals team.

Rochester vs. Toronto

Toronto wins.

The Toronto Rock have a score to settle with the Knighthawks.  One of their two losses came because Rylan Hartley shut them down completely.  This team is much different from that one early in the season.  Look for a lot of scoring to come from transition in this game. 

Georgia vs. Albany

Georgia wins.

The Swarm finally put together a team effort for 60 minutes last week.  Although I don’t think it will be as bad a beating as last week, I think Georgia wins convincingly again.

Saskatchewan vs. Panther City

Saskatchewan wins.

Every team is allowed a stinker of a game.  The Rush had theirs against the Warriors last week.  Look for Saskatchewan’s defense to frustrate the Panther City team early.  Mark Matthews will put this team on his back in this game.

Toronto vs. Philadelphia

Toronto wins.

I keep hearing about the Rock being tired after playing Saturday.  Huh? Philadelphia also has a game.  Also, these are some of the best athletes in any sport, and can certainly play twice in the same week comfortably.
In order for Philadelphia to win this game Zach Higgins will have to be an octopus in net.  Toronto will use it’s transition, as well as it’s punishing defense to slow the Wings down to a crawl.

Ryan McMichael:

Buffalo vs. Halifax

Halifax Thunderbirds

New York vs. Philadelphia

New York Riptide

Las Vegas vs. San Diego

San Diego Seals

Rochester vs. Toronto

Toronto Rock

Georgia vs. Albany

Georgia Swarm

Saskatchewan vs. PCLC

Saskatchewan Rush

Toronto vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia Wings

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