2022-2023 NLL ‘Pickems

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

Week Two Totals:

Shawn…………….3-1
Ryan……………….3-1
“Muffler” Mike..2-2
Gary……………….2-2
John……………….1-3

Year to Date:

Shawn………………8-2
Ryan…………………6-4
“Muffler” Mike….5-5
John………………….4-6
Gary…………………4-6

“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk:

CGY @ VAN

Vancouver. The Warriors vastly improved from Week 1 to Week 2. Coming home with a chance to avenge last week’s loss energizes them.

PCLC @ LV

Panther City. There will be tons of hype for the Desert Dogs’ first ever home game. However, I’m not yet sold on Las Vegas’s offensive chemistry, and there could already be a goalie controversy brewing.

BUF @ TOR

Toronto. This game will be a knock-down, drag-out affair, but the Rock will rebound from their first setback quicker than the Bandits will.

ROC @ ALB

Rochester. The Knighthawks have had the FireWolves’ number since their move to the Capital Region. Can’t not acknowledge Rylan Hartley’s play so far this season either.

PHI @ GA

Georgia. Probably the hottest rivalry in the NLL right now, with the last five matchups being one-goal victories. Georgia avenges last year’s heartbreaking Week 22 playoff-eliminating loss.

HFX @ NY

New York. They’re playing in the Barn, not the Nest, and the Riptide are coming off a bitter loss. That’s just enough of an advantage to eke out a close victory.

COL @ PCLC

Panther City. I fully believe this team could be 4-0 before the New Year. While PC has the doubleheader, Colorado has the Championship hangover.

Shawn Slaght:

Calgary vs Vancouver

Pick – Vancouver

I don’t know why, but my gut is just telling me that Vancouver will be coming out guns a blazing after barely losing to Calgary last week. Again, I don’t see this being a pretty game, but I like how Vancouver matches up against Calgary.

Panther City vs Las Vegas

Pick – Panther City

The good news is Las Vegas showed right off the bat that they will be competitive. That being said, it still going to take some time to gel together. I think the result will be the same as the previous week with Panther City narrowly taking the win.

Buffalo vs Toronto

Pick – Toronto

This will be a major measuring stick for Buffalo. Are they still championship caliber or have they taken a step back? After the results from Week 1, I think Matt Vinc’s hand injury is hampering more than we think. I gotta go with the Rock in this one.

Rochester vs Albany

Pick – Rochester

Don’t get me wrong, Albany put up an impressive performance in Week 1. However, what I saw out of Rochester last week against Toronto is making me a believer. If Rylan Hartley continues to play like that it’ll be a long night for a lot of teams.

Philadelphia vs Georgia

Pick – Philadelphia

The Wings are too good on paper to be kept down for too long and I think the Week 1 loss will be eating at them. I’m still convinced that Georgia just doesn’t have the same firepower compared to previous years.

Halifax vs New York

Pick – Halifax

This one could be game of the week. New York is close to taking that next step, if they aren’t already. That being said, Halifax was so dominant in their first game, I have a hard time betting against them.

Colorado vs Panther City

Pick – Colorado

I do not want to be Panther City when it comes to this game. Everything is working against them: back-to-back games and having to face the defending champs who were embarrassed in their season opener. Colorado adding Rhys Duch just makes the rich richer.

Gary Groob:

Calgary vs. Vancouver

Calgary wins.

This will be a rough game, with bad blood still fresh from last week’s game. The difference on this game is goaltending. Christian Del Bianco is a much more consistent goalie than Steve Fryer.

Panther City vs. Las Vegas

Las Vegas wins.

I like the grit of this Vegas team.   With the inaugural home game, I think the Desert Dogs rampnit up a notch and take a close one from Panther City.

Buffalo vs. Toronto

Toronto wins.

The Bandits are not as strong as years previous, and the Rock are stronger.  Both teams are coming off surprising losses, and will be chomping at the bit to get back at it.

Expect a rough, but close game.

Rochester vs. Albany

Rochester wins.

Yes that’s right!! I pick the Knighthawks to start this season at 3-0. Connor Fields and Thomas Hoggarth work well together. With support from Holden Cattoni this can get out of hand quickly. A hot Rylan Hartley shut down the powerful Toronto team, and I think does it again to Albany.

Philadelphia vs. Georgia

Georgia wins.

Lyle Thompson can be a factor in any game he plays in.  The Wings are having a few problems gelling, and will need a few weeks to get on the same page.  Both teams are fairly evenly matched, but I am leaning towards the Swarm in this game.

Halifax vs. New York

Halifax wins.

One of the most impressive wins in week one was the Thunderbirds victory over the Philadelphia Wings. I think the offenses match-up well, but Warren Hill is just a bit more seasoned than Steve Orelman in the Halifax goal.

Colorado vs. Panther City

Colorado wins.

Colorado was stunned in their opener, losing to the Saskatchewan Rush badly.  They have had to live with it for two weeks, and will be frothing at the mouth to get at it again.  Panther City played the night earlier, and will be sluggish.

Look for Colorado to get an early lead, going wire to wire.

John Craig:

Calgary vs Vancouver

Pick – Calgary

Panther City vs Las Vegas

Pick – Las Vegas

Buffalo vs Toronto

Pick – Toronto

Rochester vs Albany

Pick – Albany

Philadelphia vs Georgia

Pick – Georgia

Halifax vs New York

Pick – Halifax

Colorado vs Panther City

Pick – Colorado

Ryan McMichael:

Calgary vs. Vancouver

Calgary

Panther City vs. Las Vegas

Las Vegas

Buffalo vs. Toronto

Buffalo

Rochester vs. Albany

Albany

Philadelphia vs. Georgia

Georgia

Halifax vs. New York

Halifax

Colorado vs. Panther City

Panther City

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