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GAME PICKS: NLL Finals

Then there were two! From December until now it feels like this National Lacrosse League season has flown by, but now it’s time to crown a new champion. Well, at least to start that process.

It’s Game 1 of a best two-out-of-three series that begins Saturday night in Buffalo as the Bandits get ready to host the Calgary Roughnecks.

 

NLL staff members  Andy McNamara, Devan Kaney, and Brian Shanahan deliver their game predictions every week.

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

 

2018-19 Game Picks Playoff Standings:

NAME WINS LOSSES
Devan 4 2
Andy 4 2
Shanny 4 2

 

I also caught up with Lacrosse Flash founder and NLL contributor Tyson Geick. Have a listen to our conversation below:

 

 

GAME 1: Calgary Roughnecks at Buffalo Bandits – Saturday, May 18 – 7:30pm ET

Tweet @NLL using #CGYvsBUF

 

Andy

This best of three series is a fascinating matchup. Buffalo held the league’s best record (14-4) with an elite combination of high-octane scoring ability and stifling defense/goaltending. Oh, and they are exceptional at home (7-2).

Then there are the Roughnecks who overcame early season obstacles to grind out the third seed in the West and have peaked at the right time down the stretch.

The key for Calgary will be to own the first 10-minutes and not fall behind by more than three goals. The Bandits can score in bunches, but also smother opposing offenses and choke out comebacks.

It’ll be a close call with Buffalo taking the opener.

Pick: BANDITS

Series Pick: BANDITS

 

Shanny

Pick: BANDITS

Series Pick: BANDITS

 

Devan

Man, this is a tough one! While I could see this series going to three games – each team winning at home – something we have discussed a lot throughout the season is Calgary’s inconsistencies not just game to game but quarter to quarter. We haven’t seen that from the Bandits. We’ve just seen straight up dominance from Buffalo throughout the regular and post seasons, and I don’t see that changing in the Finals.

Pick: BANDITS

Series Pick: BANDITS

 

Make sure to catch all the NLL action on B/R Live.

 

Andy McNamara has been a play-by-play commentator for the NLL on TSN, B/R Live, 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.

NLL