Justin Ivey, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Week One: 1-2
Week Two: 2-1
Week Three: 3-2
Week Four: 4-1
Week Five: 4-1
Week Six: 4-3
Week Seven: 1-4
Season Total: 19-14
Clearly, I was delirious last week. I started with three straight wrong picks on Saturday, and only got one of two correct on Sunday. Philadelphia got off to a hot start, but Toronto came from behind to win a close one. Rochester bullied Buffalo for a win on Saturday, and then Buffalo bullied New England on Sunday. That is the exact opposite of what I predicted. Colorado couldn’t get it done on the road in Vancouver. My lone correct pick was Georgia beating Saskatchewan, but my excitement was short lived as New England couldn’t capitalize at home. This week there are six games, three on Friday and three on Saturday. Let’s get back to winning ways…
Saskatchewan Rush (3-2) at Toronto Rock (5-1)
Friday, February 1 at 7:30 PM EST
These two teams do not play often, and that fact alone makes this pick extremely difficult. Last year, the Rush won their only matchup 17-9, but the year before they split their home and home series. In 2016, they also split the series. This season, the Rock have been on quite a roll. Four of their games have been decided by one goal, and only one of those is their loss – Georgia. Comparing them to other teams, they are 3-0 against teams under .500 and 2-1 against teams over .500. Saskatchewan is the defending champion team. Their two losses were Georgia and New England, and New England was their first game on the season. I expect this to be a fun game – lots of action and excellent plays from both sides. I think Saskatchewan feels they need this game more as they don’t want to drop to .500 on the season.
My Pick: Saskatchewan
Score: Saskatchewan-14, Toronto-12
New England Black Wolves (3-2) at Georgia Swarm (5-2)
Friday, February 1 at 7:35 PM EST
This is quite possibly the first “most important” game of the season. Both teams seem to be headed for the post season, and currently their season series is tied at 1-1, with the home team winning both of their previous matchups. This game will determine the tie breaker if needed. Neither matchup really speaks to how this game will turn out. Georgia won in the first game of the season, and New England beat Georgia on the tail end of a two-game travel weekend. Both had a clear advantage in those games. New England is coming off a terrible loss to Buffalo at home. Their offense which has been clicking all season, could not adapt to beat the Bandits defense. Georgia rebounded from their surprising two loss weekend by beating the Rush at home. This is their first game of the weekend and they don’t want two more losses. I think New England has played their best against the best and with a chip on their shoulder. I expect them to go into Georgia and leave winners.
My Pick: New England
Score: New England-13, Georgia-11
Rochester Knighthawks (2-3) at Philadelphia Wings (0-6)
Friday, February 1 at 8:00 PM EST
I’ve picked the Wings two weeks in a row now to get their first W. I have been upset both times. Rochester played an extremely physical game against a visiting Buffalo team last weekend and emerged victorious. They don’t seem to have that same gusto on the road. Philadelphia again lost a close game. They have the benefit of being home this week again and I’m hoping the third time is a charm. Fly Wings, fly.
My Pick: Philadelphia
Score: Rochester-9, Philadelphia-12
Georgia Swarm (?-?) at Rochester Knighthawks (?-?)
Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 PM EST
Can Rochester bring the same physicality they beat Buffalo with? Georgia is a tactical team and that could disrupt them. Both teams are in a unique situation as both play their second game of the weekend. I picked both to lose their first game. I think Georgia comes out and makes a statement with a big win.
My Pick: Georgia
Score: Georgia-16, Rochester-10
Colorado Mammoth (1-4) at Buffalo Bandits (5-2)
Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 PM EST
Colorado is…still struggling. Buffalo is still on fire, even after dropping their first game last weekend to Rochester. These two teams do not have the same rivalry. Not even close. Shawn Evans is on track to have the most assists in a season and his veteran leadership and vision is bringing out the best in his teammates. Buffalo runs away with this game.
My Pick: Buffalo
Score: Colorado-10, Buffalo-15
Vancouver Warriors (2-5) at Calgary Roughnecks (3-4)
Saturday, February 2 at 9:00 PM EST
These two teams have quite the rivalry budding. Vancouver has won in Calgary, and Calgary has won in Vancouver already this season. Since starting 1-1, both teams are still searching for their identity. Both have beaten bottom tier teams and have struggled against top level talent. Both have also lost bad games. I think with the home advantage, Calgary can pull to .500 on the season.
My Pick: Calgary
Score: Vancouver-9, Calgary-13
Justin Ivey, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©