Justin Ivey, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Standings:
Shawn Palmer 19-8
Justin Ivey 19-8
Stephonya Hunter-Penner 17-10
Chris Vale 15-12
As the leader of this group, nothing gets me more excited than a 5-0 weekend with the picks! Finally, I have evened up with Shawn for the group lead. We aren’t going to dwell on last week because this week crazy. Another weekend with EIGHT GAMES scheduled, so let’s get right to it.
Colorado Mammoth (3-1) at Vancouver Warriors (1-4)
Friday, January 17 at 10:30 PM EST
Can the offensive efforts of Mitch Jones (12G, 20A) lead this Warriors team to a win this week, their first home game in the new year? The more practical question is; will the defense and goaltending hold up and keep them in the game? The Warriors lone win comes against the winless Riptide. They kept it close against an under performing Seals team, but Colorado is not underperforming this year. They already won the first matchup in Colorado 13-9. Consensus pick here.
My Pick: Colorado
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Colorado
Chris Vale: Colorado
Shawn Palmer: Colorado
San Diego Seals (1-4) at Halifax Thunderbirds (4-0)
Saturday, January 18 at 6:00 PM EST
Halifax is one of the two remaining teams still undefeated this season. Their last two games were against good teams too. They rode into Buffalo and won and then hosted the Mammoth and although it was close, they pulled it out. The Seals have not been able to recreate the early season magic they had in their inaugural season. They have some players who can score, most notable Wes Berg (10G) and Connor Fields (10G), but they haven’t been able to put together a full 60 minutes. They had a chance last week but blew three wide open breakaways in the first half. Another consensus pick.
My Pick: Halifax
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Halifax
Chris Vale: Halifax
Shawn Palmer: Halifax
Calgary Roughnecks (2-2) at Rochester Knighthawks (0-4)
Saturday, January 18 at 7:00 PM EST
Calgary’s two losses on the season were both by one goal, and in both of those games they still only allowed eight goals. Christian Del Bianco has been a stud in net and the defense has rallied around him to make one of the stingiest defenses in the NLL. Rochester is still looking for their first win as an expansion franchise and it seems they get closer every game. Last week they lost a hard fought one goal game to the Rock. Will this be the week the Knighthawks get win number one?
My Pick: Rochester
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Calgary
Chris Vale: Calgary
Shawn Palmer: Calgary
Philadelphia Wings (2-1) at New England Black Wolves (3-0)
Saturday, January 18 at 7:00 PM EST
Winner takes first place in the East Division. This game is as big as an early season game gets. Philadelphia was 2-1 against New England last year, winning both games at home and losing at Mohegan Sun Arena. This year’s New England squad is on a tear though, led by Callum Crawford. Even though he is portrayed as the star, the team is balanced, and quick in transition. Doug Jamieson has really become a true starter in net. The Wings will need an outstanding and physical defensive game plan to keep in this one. Matt Rambo and Kevin Crowley will have to have multiple goals as well. We don’t see them pulling it out!
My Pick: New England
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: New England
Chris Vale: New England
Shawn Palmer: New England
Toronto Rock (3-1) at Buffalo Bandits (2-1)
Saturday, January 18 at 7:00 PM EST
This is going to be a great game to watch. These two teams always play each other with an edge. Toronto’s loss was against an undefeated New England, and Buffalo’s was against an undefeated Halifax. The wins for both teams were not against strong opponents. Both teams want this win to continue their strong starts to the season. Playing at home is a clear advantage for Buffalo in this even match.
My Pick: Buffalo
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Toronto
Chris Vale: Toronto
Shawn Palmer: Toronto
Georgia Swarm (2-2) at New York Riptide (0-5)
Saturday, January 18 at 7:30 PM EST
This is the week. The Riptide had a week off to prepare for Georgia and by golly I think they have a chance. The panel does not agree with me, but this is the week New York sees the home team get their first win. You read it here first, hopefully. The Riptide have shown flashes of what they can be. Tyler Digby can turn it on and muscle his way through a defense. The transition game has improved, and goaltender Alex Buque is improving every start. The Swarm are not the high scoring team they once were and if the game stays close, I think they are in trouble.
My Pick: New York
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Georgia
Chris Vale: Georgia
Shawn Palmer: Georgia
Colorado Mammoth (?-?) at Saskatchewan Rush (3-1)
Saturday, January 18 at 8:30 PM EST
A day after playing in Vancouver, the Mammoth head to Saskatchewan for a back to back weekend. The Rush have looked great to start the season led by Mark Matthews (7G, 15A). Evan Kirk is having a stellar start in net as well. As good as Colorado is to start the season, playing away on consecutive nights is a huge disadvantage.
My Pick: Saskatchewan
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Saskatchewan
Chris Vale: Saskatchewan
Shawn Palmer: Saskatchewan
Rochester Knighthawks (?-?) Philadelphia Wings (?-?)
Sunday, January 19 at 7:00 PM EST
Whether Rochester wins on Saturday or not, they are sure to be geared up for this game. Philadelphia as well. This is an interesting match as it will be the second game for both teams in the weekend. Trevor Baptiste owns the face off circle in Philly and the offense has been capitalizing on those extra possessions. With a raucous crowd, the panel agrees the home team wins.
My Pick: Philadelphia
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Philadelphia
Chris Vale: Philadelphia
Shawn Palmer: Philadelphia