GAME PICKS: Champion’s Cup – Game 2

What a finish! Yes, Game 1 of the Champion’s Cup final lived up to the hype. The two top seeds put on a showcase to the world that displayed how exciting the National Lacrosse League is.

The word “Unpredictable” comes to mind after last Sunday between the Rush and Swarm. Georgia surged on a seven-goal run in the 4th quarter to take the opener 18-14. Saskatchewan was 8-1 at SaskTel Centre during the regular season so we’ll have to see how home turf effects both of these clubs.

NLL staff members Andy McNamara, Mia Gordon, Tyson Geick, and Brian Shanahan deliver their game predictions every week. Here are the playoff standings:

Send us your picks @NLL on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using the specific game hashtags for each match-up below.

Champion’s Cup – Game 2

Swarm lead Best-of-Three 1-0

Saskatchewan Rush at Georgia Swarm – Saturday, 9:30pm ET

Andy

Georgia’s comeback last weekend proved to Saskatchewan, and the rest of the lacrosse world, that no lead is safe. SaskTel Centre is arguably the toughest place to play in the NLL, but the Swarm’s 6-3 road record showed that this crew isn’t afraid to play anywhere.

The Rush need to harness that home crowd energy early, but more importantly finish strong. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a third and deciding game in this series. However, I’m leaning towards a late Swarm goal to give the franchise its first Champion’s Cup trophy.

Pick to Win: Swarm

Mia

Saskatchewan has been near perfect at SaskTel Centre in 2017. The hometown experience proves too much for Georgia and the Rush get some revenge.

Pick to Win: Rush

Tyson

This team just had defensive lapses in Game 1. That’s something I believe they’ll be able to clean up in Game 2. Their special teams were rock solid, and their offense was clicking… now they’ll have the help of the 7th man in the form of Rush Nation.

Pick to Win: Rush

Shanny

Pick to Win: Rush

Tweet @NLL your prediction using #GAvsSAS

Get a full breakdown of the “Keys to Victory” for each team heading into Game 1 here: http://bit.ly/2sHc0tF

Andy McNamara has been a play-by-play commentator for the NLL on TSN, NLLTV.com, and world lacrosse tournaments since 2011. He’s also a sport talk host and anchor on TSN 1050 sports radio. Follow Andy on twitter @AndyMc81.