NLL Pick’ems

It’s that time again!

The LaxPhilly Gang of Six presents our weekly Pick’ems…

We have a change on our leader board after Gary “The Hardest Working Man in Lacrosse” Groob had a down weekend, going 1-4 and dropping from the top shot but holds a 24-20 record.

So, Gary looks to get back in the lead and starts us with his predictions.

Buffalo @ Vancouver

Buffalo wins.

The Bandits have too much firepower for the Warriors to handle.  One question is how is Steve Priolo? But I don’t think it will be an issue.

Eric Penney has played like Matt Vinc the last two weeks, but now he has to go against Matt Vinc…

Colorado @ Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan wins.

The Rush needs to get rolling, and in a division game, they can’t afford to lose.  Having a few weeks to prepare should have everyone on the same page.  The Mammoth have been hot and cold, and need a strong showing…this will be a classic match.

New York @ Calgary

Calgary wins.

No one expected Calgary to be last in the West at this point of the season, but they are.
New York has shown more every week, but I think Calgary will come out guns a blazing at home off a bye week.

Buffalo @ Toronto
Toronto wins.

I think with the showing against Halifax…this team found its identity, and how it will win this year!  Strong transition and bruising defense is the way.  Against a tired Bandits team that will be sore from their Friday game on the other side of the Country.

Vancouver @ Rochester
Rochester wins.

Rochester has shown a lot of heart, and the team is buying into Mike Hasen’s systems.

Vancouver will be tired from their game against the Bandits, then flying across the country for this game.

We have two new co-leaders and after a 2-3 week, Mr. Analytics, Steve Holroyd moves to 26-18 and, with bated breath, we get his input.

Steve Holroyd

BUF @ VAN:  The Bandits have been the cardiac kids the past two games, but have not been particularly impressive in getting those results.  The Warriors, meanwhile, have looked sharp on their latest roll, and are at home.  WINNER:  Vancouver

COL @ SASK:  The Mammoth is hard to figure out, going down pretty easily in Vegas.  The Rush is–well, the Rush.  Easy pick at home.  WINNER:  Saskatchewan

NY @ CAG:  The Riptide look better and better each week, but still don’t know how to close out a game.  The Riggers are home, and still have the league’s best goalie.  WINNER: Calgary

BUF @ TOR:  Buffalo will be tired.  Toronto is rising high, having knocked off an undefeated Halifax team.  Still…Toronto has not looked sharp all year.  WINNER:  Buffalo

VAN @ ROC:  The NewHawks are developing faster than NY, and will be at home.  Vancouver will still be hot.  The home floor doesn’t mean much when no one actually goes to games.  WINNER: Vancouver

The other Co-leader, Kevin “If I Only Had a Brain” Neibauer, also coming off a 3-2 week is jostling for the sole top spot and sits at 26-18.

My picks… contact your bookie…

Colorado@Saskatechewan

Pick- Rush

The Mammoth has been inconsistent and the Rush is too stacked. Dillon Ward will face nearly 60 shots in this one.

The Rush win by 4.

Buffalo@Vancouver

Pick- Bandits

Vancouver has improved nearly every week but going against a team with Dhane Smith, and the budding superstar, Chris Cloutier is too much to ask. Eric Penney has played well but Buffalo has Matt Vinc… this should be a 12-7 Bandits win.

New York@Calgary

Pick: Calgary

The Roughnecks are up against it with the San Diego and Vancouver victories this past weekend…New York will hang in but, won’t be able to close it out. Calgary 14-10.

Buffalo@Toronto

Pick- Toronto

The Bandits will be fatigued from the Vancouver game.

The Rock has been finding ways to win and this will be no exception.

Rock in a one-goal nail biter.

Vancouver@Rochester

Pick- Rochester

I went back and forth on this one. Rochester is due for a “coming out” party and this could be the time.

The Warriors will log a bit of mile over the weekend and fall short in a 12-9 tilt.

Shawn “The Winter Warlock” Slaght, despite going 2-3 leapfrogged Gary Groob to grab a 25-19 mark.

Shawn checked in with his expert analysis.

Buffalo @ Vancouver
Pick – Buffalo
The Bandits have had their ups and downs so far this season. But, in this case, I don’t think Vancouver is in the same league as Buffalo. Penney has been playing well, but he’ll need help in front of him.

Colorado @ Saskatchewan
Pick – Saskatchewan
The Rush needs to start winning on their home floor, and it all stops and starts with Evan Kirk. He’s struggled at the SaskTel Centre. I think this game will get them back on track.

New York @ Calgary
Pick – Calgary
New York is slowly improving, but it could be too little too late. Calgary is struggling right now, but they have the firepower to get by the Riptide.

Buffalo @ Toronto
Pick – Buffalo
Toronto is starting to right the ship, but the million-dollar question is whether they can find consistency. Buffalo has a tough travel schedule, but I have a feeling they’ll be ready to go to this game.

Vancouver @ Rochester
Pick – Rochester
Normally this would be a tough pick, but the Warriors have a crappy schedule. Unlike Buffalo, I don’t think Vancouver can overcome the tough travel schedule. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vancouver jumps out to a quick lead, but runs out of gas in the second half.

We move to our YouTube star, Ross “I was famous for a half-second” McLoughlin who had a good week at 3-2 to keep on the heels and locked in with Gary Groob at 24-20.

Buffalo @ Vancouver
Pick – Buffalo
Buffalo is going to hold back a bit being a 2 game weekend for them and Vancouver is going to come full force at them. Vancouver is going to be aggressive and physical and Buffalo won’t be ready for it. In the end, it comes down to the goalies in this one.

Colorado @ Saskatchewan
Pick – Saskatchewan
Colorado is mad after getting pounded on last week by the Seals, the Rush are the next team in the crosshairs. I think ultimately the Mammoth will not execute properly, and the Rush will take advantage.

New York @ Calgary
Pick – Riptide
Let’s face it Calgary is not the same team without Dane Dobbie. Riptide is putting pieces together and was going to see something interesting when the Riptide pulls off their 2nd win.

Buffalo @ Toronto
Pick – Toronto
After the physical game, they are going to play in Vancouver expect the Bandits to be tired and slow. The Rock will be rested and ready, Dan Dawson is proving he still has it even at 38 going on infinity.

Vancouver @ Rochester
Pick – Rochester
I think this game comes down to a tuff loss at home and having to hop on an airplane and fly across North America. Vancouver is going to be slow and sluggish and will struggle to get things started. Rochester will be rested and physical and will want revenge for the heartbreaking loss against Buffalo.

Finally, we turn to Susan “My Mouth Hurts” Walton who, despite her medical issues, posted a 3-2 record which puts her at a solid 21-20 mark.

Susan seems to be recouping and gave us her predictions.

Buffalo vs Vancouver- Pick Buffalo

Vancouver may be improving but not well enough to take out the Bandits

Colorado vs Saskatchewan- Pick Saskatchewan

There is a history of Colorado winning against their rival Rush.  Saskatchewan is not going to want to give Colorado the series. The Rush will grind out a win this time

NY vs Calgary- Pick Calgary

I really don’t see a huge change nor a win in NY’s horizon.  This one will go, Roughnecks, all the way

Buffalo vs Toronto-Pick Toronto

Buffalo is going to be tired from their cross country trip.  Toronto has been finding ways to win even without their normal stars.  I am sticking with Toronto winning at home.

Vancouver vs Rochester- Rochester

Similar to Buffalo, Vancouver’s coming off their game Friday night.  Even with Bal’s hot streak going, I still see Rochester taking this one in a close game.