Pick Ems

Pick ems..

Gary Groob and Muffler Mike each posted a 5-1 week.

Kevin and Shawn followed at 4-2. In a rarity.Ross had to get an oil change on the 8 Ball and only went 3-3.

So, Ross lost a bit of ground but still leads the pack with his 57-27 followed by Gary with 54-30, Shawn 53-31, The Swampi …err, Swami, Kevin at 51-33 and Mike breaking the .500 mark with his 43-41.

We start in Philadelphia…I have no idea why…

Kevin “The Swami”Neibauer.

Pick ems…

San Diego-Vancouver
San Diego

The Warriors are in disarray after that implosion against Colorado.

San Diego is the Cream of the West.

Halifax-Buffalo

Buffalo

A home and home. Buffalo is just better than Halifax in this one.

Georgia-Toronto

Toronto

Georgia has turned it around but Toronto will be two goals better on their “Home’ turf…whatever they call it.

Philadelphia-Rochester

Philadelphia

Wasn’t sure which way to go with this one.
I borrowed Ross’ 8 Ball…this is gonna be close.
Brett Hickey makes the difference….oh wait…Ben McIntosh makes the difference.

Albany-New York

Albany

The Jeff Teat- Joe Resetarits battle will rival Lyle Thompson-Tom Schrieber.

Bottom line, Albany finds a way to keep pace with the leaders….who ever they may be.

Calgary-Saskatchewan

Calgary

The ‘Necks have been improving each week…It’s do or die time.

Colorado-PCLC

PCLC

This game could have thirty goals scored. Another marquee match up.
Patrick Dodds and Dean Fairall against Ryan Lee and Eli McLaughlin.
Go with the hot team.

Buffalo-Halifax

Halifax

Pride on the line for Halifax…facing a game they need to stay near the top.

Next Up

The man known as ” Muffler” Mike Kostiuk.

Mike is living the good life after his 5-1 week. can he keep it going? Mike has resorted to reading tea leaves for his picks.

SD @ VAN
Vancouver. The Warriors are angry, and rightly so after last weekend. But they’re also aware that Panther City is just a half game behind them for the last secure playoff spot in the West.

HFX @ BUF
Halifax. No chance in hell the Thunderbirds repeat their Week 15 results.

GA @ TOR
Georgia. Last week’s win against Albany is easily the turning point of their season – they know it’s time to trend upward or head to the links.

PHI @ ROC
Philadelphia. Wings can’t afford to have another performance like the Week 15 debacle against Buffalo.

ALB @NY
Albany. This one pretty much comes down to Jamieson outperforming Orleman in net.

CGY @ SASK
Saskatchewan. Rush show the fans they still have some fight left, even if it may be too late in the season.

COL-PCLC
Panther City. This is more a case of PC surging than the Mammoth reeling.

BUF @ HFX
Halifax. Again: No chance in hell the Thunderbirds repeat their Week 15 results.

To Canada..

The Mayor of Costco, Gary Groob, has been on a four week hot streak… Can it continue?

SD vs. Vancouver

SD wins

These teams are going in opposite directions! San Diego is getting offense from everywhere, while the Warriors starting goalies haven’t been able to finish a game in the last 4 games. Look for that to change to five games.

Halifax vs. Buffalo

Buffalo wins.

The Bandits are tough to beat at the best of times, but right now theor confidence is at an all time high. Banditland will be rocking!

Georgia vs. Toronto

Toronto wins.

This will be a night of celebrations! Dan Dawson will break two records, most assists, most games played, and the Rock will have a big night on a shakey Swarm defense. While Lyle will get his points, the Rock defense is about the stingiest in the league, the Swarm will need to be more creative if they want to win this game.

Philadelphia vs. Rochester

Philadelphia wins

While the Wings have not beat a team that is .500 or better, Rochester is only 3-9. The Knighthawks have had trouble, and with their second starting goalie not available, they will continue to struggle.

Albany vs. New York

New York wins.

Callum Crawford, Jeff Teat, Connor Kearnan, Dan Lomas, as well as a good transition game will give the FireWolves fits. Albany showed it was vulnerable last week, look for coach Ladouceur to exploit it.

Calgary vs. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan wins

The Roughnecks and the Rush both are struggling, but at home, the Rush will pull it together for a win in this one.

Colorado vs. Panther City

Panther City wins.

Am I a believer….Yes! PCLC is for real, and they are starting to believe in themselves too. The last time these two met, PCLC scored 20, do I think that’s possible again? Yes I do!

Buffalo vs. Halifax

Halifax wins.

A must win game for Halifax, who will play the Bandits tough at home! With the Rock bearing down on them, they can’t afford to lose another game, and play this game more desperate than we are used to seeing.

Out West

Ross “The Boss” McLoughlin got the needed oil change in the 8 Ball. He has been a bit under the weather as he forgot his SPF and Sunglasses when he went to the beach…The good news, his fanny pack blocked harmful uv’ s from his butt . Doctor recommended no more Thong wearing on the beach….the neighbors are quite happy about that as well.

San Diego vs. Vancouver

Winner San Diego

It’s been a long time since the season opener when these 2 teams last met. Unless the Warriors find the Missing in Action, Mitch Jones, or have a huge night from Bal, Seals should crush the Warriors and continue to be the only team that is undefeated on the road.

Halifax vs. Buffalo

Winner Buffalo

The Bandits are kinda good, Halifax is kinda good and with Dawson Theede will be even better but at what cost? Bandits don’t lose at home.

Georgia vs. Toronto

Winner Georgia

This is a must win game for both teams, the Rock are going to be Distracted by all the pats on the back and self-high fives for career achievements. Georgia has beaten 2 very good teams in a row, and are looking to make the Rock roll over.

Philadelphia vs. Rochester

Winner Philadelphia

Wings are looking for a layup this week, Rochester is already building for the future and missing a few pieces. At this point in the season are the Wings thinking they should have played Penny, instead of giving a Penny?

Albany vs. New York

Winner Albany

Riptides’ Jeff Teat and Connor Kearnan are a tough duo to stop. Riptide could crawl out of the hole they have dug for themselves but I don’t think they have the pieces to make the playoffs. The Firewolves are in a position that they must win especially with the teams ahead of them playing each other twice.

Calgary vs. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan wins

The Rush can’t stop the bleeding once it starts, although throwing Penny at it seemed to help in recent weeks. Calgary still can’t do anything right, although neither team is out of the playoffs yet, neither team has much hope.

Colorado vs. Panther City

Winner Panther City

PC has been playing really well, Mammoth got smacked in the face last week by the Seals and its going to happen again this week. Panther City will look more like Sabertooth Tigers taking down the Mammoth.

Buffalo vs. Halifax

Winner Buffalo

I just don’t see how these 2 teams don’t split the games this weekend, except they won’t. The thunderbirds are a .500 team at home in the Thunderdome (not sure if its called that or Eagles Nest) but either way, the Bandits have way too much offense and will overpower the 3rd best defense.

Staying West but Crossing the Border

Shawn Slaght. Shawn is still a bit sluggish from his birthday…the Three Stooges and Little Rascals Marathons wore him out ..it’s been a steady diet of hot chocolate and, for some reason, jujubees..

San Diego vs Vancouver
Pick – San Diego
The Seals are building up to win the west. Meanwhile, cracks are starting to show in the Warriors armour. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vancouver keeps it close early, but San Diego pulls away in the second half.

Halifax vs Buffalo
Pick – Buffalo
Expect a low scoring game out of this one. Unfortunately for Halifax, the Bandits are just a step better than everyone else this entire season. It won’t be a walk in the park for Buffalo but they’ll pull it off.

Georgia vs Toronto
Pick – Toronto
Georgia is starting to find its footing again, but it’s too little too late. This is a big game for Toronto to keep pace with the top dogs in the East so I expect a big game out of them.

Philadelphia vs Rochester
Pick – Philadelphia
The Wings may have their issues this season, but the Knighthawks are in shambles.

Albany vs New York
Pick – Albany
This is a tough one to pick. New York got off to a slow start to the season, but their younger roster is starting to settle in. I think Albany has too much to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Calgary vs Saskatchewan
Pick – Saskatchewan
Another case where my head says Calgary, but my gut says Saskatchewan. The Rush have won three in a row at home and seem to be a different beast at the SaskTel Centre. Austin Murphy is settling in which has given this offence a spark. The Rush will win a close one with the momentum of the crowd behind them.

Colorado vs Panther City
Pick – Panther City
The expansion team has found their identity and find themselves right now the tight race for the last playoff spot in the West. Colorado, on the other hand, is taking steps backwards.

Buffalo vs Halifax
Pick – Halifax
Take a very good team and add in some desperation and things can get scary. The Thunderbirds will be clawing to get everything they can get in the rematch.