Justin and Friends NLL Picks Week 2 -12/7/2019

Justin Ivey, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©

Standings:
Chris Vale 3-0
Shawn Palmer 3-0
Stephonya Hunter-Penner 1-2
Justin Ivey 1-2

Wow.  The new look Rochester Knighthawks couldn’t find the chemistry to be competitive in Week 1 and Georgia looked like the most dangerous team in the NLL again.  Chris and Shawn saw right through the big offensive names.  Del Bianco had a huge 63 saves in Calgary’s win over Vancouver, and Saskatchewan got revenge for last year’s meeting with Colorado.  Week 2 has three games – all on Saturday evening.

New York Riptide at Halifax Thunderbirds
Saturday, December 7 at 6:00 PM EST

The Riptide open their inaugural season against the ‘old’ Knighthawks.  Both are considered new teams, but Halifax is a transfer while New York is a true expansion.  The edge goes to Halifax because of that core group of players that have fostered chemistry for a few seasons.

My Pick:  Halifax
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Halifax
Chris Vale: New York
Shawn Palmer: Halifax

New England Black Wolves at Toronto Rock
Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM EST

Our picks are split two and two for this game, attesting to its intrigue.  Both teams have shown flashes of greatness the past few seasons, but neither have been able to put together a complete season.  New England is focusing on youth and speed and I think that their young core meshes early starting off their season 1-0.

My Pick:  New England
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Toronto
Chris Vale: New England
Shawn Palmer: Toronto

San Diego Seals at Buffalo Bandits
Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM EST

The marquee match up of Week 2.  If you only have one screen to watch these games, this one will have the most fireworks.  San Diego found their cohesion in their first season last year, and Buffalo has fire power still.  With the home turf advantage, Buffalo should squeak out a win.

My Pick:  Buffalo
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: San Diego
Chris Vale: San Diego
Shawn Palmer: Buffalo