Justin Ivey, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Standings:
Justin Ivey 32-18
Shawn Palmer 34-16
Stephonya Hunter-Penner 30-20
Chris Vale 28-22
I got brought to school last week. Shawn has taken the group lead and along with him, Stephonya and Chris all went 5-0. My 2-3 needs some work. This week is the week for retribution. With six games on the schedule, including two Alterna Cup games, it is gearing up to be an exciting weekend of lacrosse.
San Diego Seals (3-5) at Colorado Mammoth (4-6)
Saturday, February 15 at 9:30 PM EST
You don’t have to look that far back for the last time these two teams met. In fact, it was the Seals’ last time out. They beat Colorado 17-10 in Las Vegas. That game was full of excitement, including a full field goal to go into the half. Colorado really didn’t put together a full game and many of the offensive players struggled to find the net. In fact, there were only two multi goal scorers and neither of them were Jacob Ruest nor Ryan Lee, the team’s two leading scorers. San Diego had everything going for them. Casey Jackson increased his scoring output nearly threefold, with five goals. The defense held strong and they picked up a huge emotional victory with a full 60 minutes. The difference might be the change in venue this week.
My Pick: Colorado
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Colorado
Chris Vale: San Diego
Shawn Palmer: Colorado
Saskatchewan Rush (4-2) at Halifax Thunderbirds (6-1)
Saturday, February 15 at 6:00 PM EST
Alterna Cup game alert!! Saskatchewan is first in the West, Halifax is first in the North and this game counts towards the Canadian Alterna Cup. This is the only time these two meet this season. Saskatchewan’s offense is led by Mark Matthews, but his supporting cast has been scoring in bunches as he dishes out assists. The defense anchored by veteran goaltender Evan Kirk can swing a game. Halifax has just recently lost their first of the season and really has looked like one of the most complete teams in the league this year. The team chemistry did not suffer by the move to Halifax.
My Pick: Halifax
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Halifax
Chris Vale: Saskatchewan
Shawn Palmer: Halifax
Vancouver Warriors (4-5) at Toronto Rock (5-2)
Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 PM EST
Alterna Cup game alert!! The second in the same night! Toronto is currently leading the Alterna Cup with a 1-0 record, while Vancouver is 0-1. This game should be entertaining, but possibly not high scoring. Vancouver has built their team around defense and it has proven somewhat successful. They have only allowed 98 goals through 9 games, an outstanding rate, highlighted by only allowing 6 goals in New England. Mitch Jones currently leads the lead in goals as their offense comes together. Toronto’s defense has always been outstanding but currently the team is a few guys short. It didn’t bother them last week as they put up a W though.
My Pick: Vancouver
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Toronto
Chris Vale: Vancouver
Shawn Palmer: Toronto
New York Riptide (1-8) at Georgia Swarm (4-3)
Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 PM EST
The Riptide’s lone win this year came against the Swarm. Since that loss, Georgia is 2-0 having beaten New England and Philadelphia. The Riptide have lost their three games since the one goal win. Georgia is finding their mid-season momentum as usual. Led by Shayne Jackson (21G, 23A), who has had a hat trick in every game this season, the offense is clicking, and Mike Poulin doesn’t allow easy goals in net. New York has positives for this season. Tyler Digby is proving valuable with his veteran experience and the young guns Tyson Gibson and Connor Kelly are improving. The panel do not think they will repeat the upset.
My Pick: Georgia
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Georgia
Chris Vale: Georgia
Shawn Palmer: Georgia
Philadelphia Wings (5-3) at Buffalo Bandits (6-2)
Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 PM EST
A rumble. Two of the feistiest fan bases watch their teams play on Saturday. Philadelphia has been on a tear recently, winning two of their past three. The x factor on an offense with big names is Matt Rambo. Brett Hickey and Kevin Crowley will find ways to score, but Rambo has been contributing with assists and currently is second on the team in points with 34 because of his vision. When he plays well, the Wings benefit greatly. Buffalo has the attitude to match though. They lost to Toronto last week and that should light a fire. The offense is led by Josh Byrne and Dhane Smith who can score from anywhere.
My Pick: Philadelphia
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: Philadelphia
Chris Vale: Buffalo
Shawn Palmer: Buffalo
Philadelphia Wings (?-?) at New England Black Wolves (4-2)
Sunday, February 16 at 5:00 PM EST
The Wings finish their game on Saturday and turn right around to face the Black Wolves in New England. It is the second matchup of these two teams this season and the first was a thriller, ending 8-7. New England will be playing with extra motivation, having lost two in a row after starting 4-0. They have not looked like the same team in the two losses with the ball becoming stagnant and goals just not coming from the offense. The last meeting was physical and this one should be no different.
My Pick: New England
Stephonya Hunter-Penner: New England
Chris Vale: New England
Shawn Palmer: New England