Justin Ivey, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Standings:
Justin Ivey 28-12
Shawn Palmer 26-14
Stephonya Hunter-Penner 24-16
Chris Vale 22-18
Only one undefeated team remains! Georgia took down New England in OT to finish a great Week 9 schedule full of great lacrosse. Buffalo eked by Colorado, Philadelphia and San Diego beat up New York and Halifax remains the only undefeated team after defeating Calgary. Can they keep the streak alive this week?!
Georgia Swarm (3-3) at Philadelphia Wings (5-2)
Friday, January 31 at 7:00 PM EST
We have a split decision for the first matchup of Week 10. Georgia played an excellent game last weekend, handing New England their first loss while playing on the road. They had an answer for everything the Black Wolves threw at them and Miles Thompson was the OT hero. For the Wings, Kevin Crowley already has 37 points on the year, leading the team in assists (24). He embodies Philadelphia with his grit and determination. With Brett Hickey scoring at a good pace, and Trevor Baptiste controlling the face off circle, the team is improving every game. Their improvement from last year’s inaugural season is easy to pick out. This game should have fireworks.
My Pick: Georgia
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Philadelphia
Chris Vale: Philadelphia
Shawn Palmer: Georgia
Halifax Thunderbirds (6-0) at Toronto Rock (3-2)
Friday, January 31 at 7:30 PM EST
Last week, Calgary had an early lead on Halifax, but they stormed back to win the game. Divisional foe Toronto will get three shots at Halifax this year, but this is the only matchup in Toronto. They are returning home after a loss in Buffalo two weeks ago. Rob Hellyer leads the team in goals with 15, and those around him will have to step up in the absence of Tom Schreiber who was placed on IR January 18. There is little doubt the Thunderbirds are the best team in the NLL so far this year. They currently have four players with over 20 points on the year (Keough, Benesch, Jamieson, Burke) and have benefited from outstanding goaltending from starter Warren Hill.
My Pick: Halifax
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Halifax
Chris Vale: Halifax
Shawn Palmer: Toronto
Rochester Knighthawks (1-5) at Buffalo Bandits (4-1)
Friday, January 31 at 7:30 PM EST
Rochester is having normal pains of an expansion team and it doesn’t get any easier this week as they visit a solid Buffalo team. Their last time out on the 19th, frustrations boiled over and the end of the game in Philadelphia turned into a fight night. The team has the heart and veterans such as Curtis Knight and Shawn Evans leading the way, but they haven’t meshed consistently. Buffalo is led by Josh Byrne on offense who put up an outstanding 7 goals his last time out. With goaltender Matt Vinc anchoring the defense, they are going to be a tough beat at home.
My Pick: Buffalo
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Buffalo
Chris Vale: Buffalo
Shawn Palmer: Buffalo
Vancouver Warriors (2-4) at New England Black Wolves (4-1)
Saturday, February 1 at 7:00 PM EST
New England played their second OT game in a row last week, but Georgia was able to end their winning streak. Doug Jamieson has been solid in net in his first year as the #1 option, and Callum Crawford seems to be able to contort his body to score a goal from any angle. After the heartbreaking loss, they are sure to come out with some fire here. Vancouver is led by Mitch Jones and Jordan McBride on offense (14 goals each) and although their record is subpar, they have been playing good lacrosse. They just beat a good Colorado team. Only once have they really been out of a game early, an 18-10 loss to Philadelphia.
My Pick: New England
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: New England
Chris Vale: New England
Shawn Palmer: New England
Colorado Mammoth (4-4) at San Diego Seals (2-5)
Saturday, February 1 at 10:00 PM EST
Colorado is one of only two teams to have already played eight games through nine weeks. They wish they weren’t sitting at 4-4 going into this divisional matchup, but they have a defense they can rely on. They are only allowing nine goals per game. The offense is led by Ryan Lee (15G) and Jacob Ruest (13G). San Diego has been experiencing a difficult season. The three headed monster of Wesley Berg, Connor Fields, and Zack Greer have been putting up points, but the defense has not been able to hold steady. Here is the kicker – this is a neutral territory game. Kind of. Seals season ticket holders will be there for sure, as they had a package with hotel rooms. This will be the first game played in Las Vegas and will be hosted at the Orleans Arena. EXCITING – make sure to tune in.
My Pick: Colorado
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Colorado
Chris Vale: Colorado
Shawn Palmer: Colorado