Pick Ems

Things in the NLL getting tight and we are tightening up as well, somewhat, in the LaxPhilly Pick Ems.

Gary Groob continues to be white hot and went 6-0.

Ross keeps his lead and matched Gary’s 6-0.

Kevin and Shawn each went 5-1 with Muffler Mike with a 2-4 mark.

Standings to Date

Ross McLoughlin has led from week one and continues to do so at 44-15.

Shawn showing a 38-21 record with Gary claiming the third spot with a 36- 23 mark.

Kevin moves to 35-24 with Muffler Mike finding his MOJO, 28-31.

Let’s Get to It

We start in sunny San Diego with our leader, Ross, who tipped his toe in the water while conferring with his Magic 8 Ball.

Halifax vs. Philadelphia

Winner Halifax

I think Halifax is the real deal. Not saying that the Wings are a pretender team, but they need to win at least 1 big game against a good team before I think differently.

Toronto Rock vs. New York Riptide

Winner Toronto

I really want Riptide to win, not going to lie, Connor Kearnan is one of my Favorite players to watch, and along with Jeff Teat they make a great combination, But I don’t think the Riptide Defense is not quite there yet.

On the other hand, I dont like the ROCK. They are kinda like my Dodgers of the NLL. But at the same time I have to be realistic and pickems isn’t about what team I like or dislike, it’s about who’s going to win, and if I am going to keep that toothpick title belt I better continue to pick winners.

Buffalo Bandits vs. Rochester Knighthawks

Winner Buffalo

Not many teams can stand toe to toe with the Bandits, and I don’t think Rochester is on that short list. Expect some fist flying action from Rochester as they live by the motto if you can’t Beat them, then Beat them up.

Colorado Mammoth vs. Saskatchewan Rush

Winner Saskatchewan

I think the Rush have not been playing to the level they should be, and at the same time the Mammoth have been overachievers. That’s going to reverse this game.

Vancouver Warriors vs. PCLC

Winner Vancouver

Let’s just say we knew Fort Worth getting a team was going to be interesting, then they chose a strange sounding name, then the owner said they wanted to be rivals of the Roughnecks… Then, they didn’t Pick “lightning” Joey Cupido. Lets just say, I don’t think the season has gone as intended so far for Panther City.

The moves they are making are not exactly instilling confidence in the fanbase or the Clubhouse.

Vancouver on the other hand,

Has a Rookie of the year candidate in Reid Bowering. Not sure if he can take it from Jeff Teat but he’s trying that’s for sure.

Vancouver got rid of the Munchkin Lollipop Guild Defenders they had and bought in Garrett McIntosh, Bowering and let the aged vet Beers go. It could be a close game, but if Mitch Jones is back on the active Roster this week, It could lean very heavily in the favor of the Warriors.

Albany FireWolves vs. San Diego Seals

Winner San Diego

So,San Diego has been on a ride, and put a bunch of wins up. Albany is coming into town and they are bringing a Kitchen sink, well Charlie Kitchen at least.

I don’t think that’s going to be enough to undo the Seals hot streak. Seals on the other hand, are just on FIRE, with the stingiest defense in the league, and an entire team of amazing shooters.

Even missing the Teams All time Scorer “Casey Jackson” for a few months now, And having a ton of players out on Covid, and missing Cam Holding out with a injury, It hasn’t derailed this Juggernaut of a team that is getting ready for a Play off run.

We come East for The Swami Bahesh, Muffler Mike.

HFX @ PHI
Halifax. As much as Philly needs this next to last home game, the Thunderbirds are on another level right now.

TOR @ NY
Toronto. The Riptide put up a good fight, but continue the role of the “not quite there yet” team in the East.

BUF @ ROC
Buffalo. The 4th Quarter comeback against Albany last week should probably have everyone picking them to win every game from now until the 2nd Round of the playoffs.

COL @ SASK
Colorado. I know…it’s an away game after a home win against the same team. However, I remain steadfast in my belief of a significant divide in the West forming as the regular season reaches the finish line. Unfortunately, the Rush are on the wrong side of that divide this year.

VAN @ PCLC
Vancouver. Panther City is the “not quite there yet” team of the West. Vancouver will capitalize on another chance to distance themselves from the bottom half of the division.

ALB @ SD
San Diego. I think this has the potential to be the game of the week. The bad news for Albany is that they are in the middle of a brutal 5-game stretch against the top teams in the league, and could realistically (and surprisingly) be 4-9 by St. Patrick’s Day.

Back out West and across the border…Shawn “I love bobsledding” Slaght.

Shawn’s pick’ems

Halifax vs Philadelphia
Pick – Halifax

I think this game will be close, but the Wings will be chasing most of the game. Philly isn’t necessarily a bad team, but lacks consistency. Halifax, on the other hand is just that much better.

Toronto vs New York
Pick – Toronto

The Riptide may have some good young talent, they aren’t on the same playing level as the Rock at this point. Similar to the Halifax/Philly game, it’ll be close but Toronto will have control of most of the game.

Buffalo vs Rochester
Pick – Buffalo

Not much to say here. Buffalo is championship caliber and Rochester is far from it. The Bandits should easily have this one.

Colorado vs Saskatchewan
Pick – Colorado

Will the acquisition of Eric Penney help the Rush? Yes. That being said, their issues go far deeper and it starts with the offence struggling to find the back of the net. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if this game goes into OT. But until the Rush offence can find another gear I have to go with the Mammoth.

Vancouver vs Panther City
Pick – Vancouver

The Warriors are showing they are the real deal. Unless PCLC can get to Buque early, I can’t see them winning this one.

Albany vs San Diego
Pick – San Diego

This could be a close one. Albany is stepping it up and have the talent to push San Diego. However, at this moment, the only team I could see beating the Seals is Buffalo.

Back East but staying North of the border, Gary “Wow! I had ten minutes of free time” Groob

Halifax vs. Philadelphia

Halifax wins.

While Philadelphia is a solid team, they still haven’t beaten anyone with a .500 or better record. Jake Withers will negate the Trevor Baptiste advantage on faceoffs, and the propensity of giving up a lot of shots will haunt the Wings in this game.

Toronto Rock vs. New York Riptide

Toronto wins.

While the Riptide are getting closer to where they want to be, the Rock have e hit full stride lately. Watch the Rock expose a young defense, giving goalie Steven Orleman a long night in the Riptide net. Toronto’s defense has been exceptional lately, and will frustrate New York all game.

Buffalo Bandits vs. Rochester Knighthawks

Buffalo wins.

Rochester always plays Buffalo tough, but the Bandits are just too strong for them. Matt Vinc has another stellar night in the Bandits net.

Colorado Mammoth vs. Saskatchewan Rush

Saskatchewan wins.

I struggled with this game! The Rush are too talented to be a 2-6 team. Look for Mark Matthews, and Robert Church to have big nights for the Rush.

Vancouver Warriors vs. PCLC

Vancouver wins.

This is a strong tough team that will try to push the younger Panther team around. The Warriors have had scoring from everywhere, so PCLC can’t key only on one or two. This doesn’t stay close for too long.

Albany FireWolves vs. San Diego Seals

San Diego wins.

The Seals are the.most balanced team in the league, and Albany have had trouble with consistency. Not a good scenario for FireWolves fans! Look for big nights from Wes Berg, and Dane Dobbie. Andrew Kew will have a good night, but unfortunately, he may be the only FireWolves player with decent stats in this game.

Coming back East but staying upwards of the border, Gary “Wow! I had 10 minutes of free time” Groob.

Halifax vs. Philadelphia

Halifax wins.

While Philadelphia is a solid team, they still haven’t beaten anyone with a .500 or better record. Jake Withers will negate the Trevor Baptiste advantage on faceoffs, and the propensity of giving up a lot of shots will haunt the Wings in this game.

Toronto Rock vs. New York Riptide

Toronto wins.

While the Riptide are getting closer to where they want to be, the Rock have hit full stride lately. Watch the Rock expose a young defense, giving goalie Steven Orleman a long night in the Riptide net. Toronto’s defense has been exceptional lately, and will frustrate New York all game.

Buffalo Bandits vs. Rochester Knighthawks

Buffalo wins.

Rochester always plays Buffalo tough, but the Bandits are just too strong for them. Matt Vinc has another stellar night in the Bandits net.

Colorado Mammoth vs. Saskatchewan Rush

Saskatchewan wins.

I struggled with this game! The Rush are too talented to be a 2-6 team. Look for Mark Matthews, and Robert Church to have big nights for the Rush.

Vancouver Warriors vs. PCLC

Vancouver wins.

This is a strong tough team that will try to push the younger Panther team around. The Warriors have had scoring from everywhere, so PCLC can’t key only on one or two. This doesn’t stay close for too long.

Albany FireWolves vs. San Diego Seals

San Diego wins.

The Seals are the.most balanced team in the league, and Albany have had trouble with consistency. Not a good scenario for FireWolves fans! Look for big nights from Wes Berg, and Dane Dobbie. Andrew Kew will have a good night, but unfortunately, he may be the only FireWolves player with decent stats in this game.

Finally, we get to the wunderkind, Kevin

Kevin Pick Ems

Big Schedule, Big Games…Halifax-Philadelphia

Halifax

The inconsistent Philadelphia offense playing their next to last home game.

The big three in the East are in stealth mode with every game meaningful.

Halifax is just too much for the Wings.Cody Jamison goes off with a five point night.

Toronto-New York

Toronto

Nee York keeps it close but Captain America, in a homecoming, steals the show…a four goal win.

Buffalo- Rochester

Buffalo

The Bandits are far and away the better team.A team effort for a five goal win.

Colorado- Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan

It’s now or never for the Rush.

The acquisition of Eric Penney makes the difference in a nail biter.

Vancouver- Panther City

Vancouver

The Warriors are primed to be upset. But, not on this night.

Balanced scoring offsets the growing PC offense.

Albany- San Diego

San Diego

Albany struggling to find their identity.

Not nearly the same for San Diego…

If anyone has doubted it, the Seals are a legitimate contender to win it all…Albany…an outside to long shot for a playoff spot.

This has all the makings of a very one sided game…