Week 11 of the National Lacrosse League schedule spans across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A Roughnecks win would essentially wipe out Vancouver, while the East Division standings could look totally different come Monday morning. Four games are on tap, let’s get to it!
NLL staff members Andy McNamara, Tyson Geick, Ashley Docking, Pat Gregoire, 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.
Vancouver Stealth (1-8) at Calgary Roughnecks (3-5) – Friday, 9pm ET
Andy
I’ll keep it simple – Until the Stealth prove they can win another game I’m going with whoever their opponent is. Led by goaltender Christian Del Bianco, Calgary keeps rolling
Pick: Roughnecks
Tyson
Calgary is playing some of their best lacrosse right now. They are red hot. I’ve got no reason to pick against them.
Pick: Roughnecks
Ashley
This game is so important for Vancouver based on the standings and playoff picture in the West, but there are a few things working against them. First, they’re on the road in a good barn. That’s one point for Calgary. Then, they’re running into the Roughnecks team that just knocked off Toronto and are playing their best lacrosse this season. I think they can keep it close, but ultimately will succumb.
Pick: Roughnecks
Pat
I’m having a tough time going against Calgary after their last two wins and even their close loss against Saskatchewan. CDB era has begun, the defence is clicking and the forwards are buzzing. I think the Riggers pick up their third in a row while the woes continue for Vancouver.
Pick: Roughnecks
Shanny
Pick: Roughnecks
Tweet @NLL using #VANvsCGY
Toronto Rock (5-3) at Georgia Swarm (3-5) – Saturday, 7:05pm ET
Andy
Rough break for Toronto to lose “Captain America” Tom Schreiber for 6-8 weeks. However, this club is loaded on offense, so while it’s not ideal, they should be able to grind out scoring. The matchup in Georgia is fascinating as the Swarm can tighten up the East in a hurry with a win. I see it being a mid-teen scoring back and forth affair with the Rock squeaking out a “W”.
Pick: Rock
Tyson
Without Schreiber, the Rock will have to dig deep, but with their depth, I think they’ll be O.K.
Pick: Rock
Ashley
Losing Tom Schreiber would be devastating to most teams, and don’t get me wrong having a player of Schreiber’s calibre out for 6-8 weeks is furthest thing away from best case scenario for The Rock, but they’ve been here before. Last year having to adjust and play without Rob Hellyer was a good exercise for the team and its supporting cast. This season they have the personnel to handle the blow until Week 17-ish when Schreiber returns. Toronto over Georgia.
Pick: Rock
Pat
Although I said on NLL ReLAX it’s time to stop giving the benefit of the doubt to Georgia the benefit of the doubt, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt. The Swarm offence is too talented and has to turn it around at some point right ? RIGHT!? Plus, what a loss for Toronto with Schrieber. That is going to be a massive hole to fill.
Pick: Swarm
Shanny
Pick: Swarm
Tweet @NLL using #TORvsGA
Saskatchewan Rush (8-1) at Rochester Knighthawks (3-6) – Saturday, 7:30pm ET
Andy
The Knighthawks resurgence will have to push the pause button this weekend. It’s more of how great Saskatchewan is playing compared to anything wrong with Rochester. The Rush aren’t quite as dominant away from Saskatoon, but I just can’t bet against them right now.
Pick: Rush
Tyson
It’s the Rush so…
Pick: Rush
Ashley
Tough time for Rochester to run into the Rush. Snapping a six game losing streak and on a bit of an upswing after a series of close games, then BAM, they hit the green wall. Tough defence, top goaltending, and a massive amount of firepower. I’m going Sask here.
Pick: Rush
Pat
Good news: Rochester picked up a much needed win last weekend and looked like they may have turned a corner. Bad news: They play the Rush this week.
Pick: Rush
Shanny
Pick: Rush
Tweet @NLL using #SASvsROC
Colorado Mammoth (4-3) at New England Black Wolves (4-3) – Sunday, 2pm ET
Andy
I went back and forth on this matchup. Each club has been inconsistent. I feel that home turf will really play a role in this pick’em. A New England victory would really spice up the East Division race.
Pick: Black Wolves
Tyson
This one was a tough choice. Both teams have cooled off lately. I see the Mammoth getting it done.
Pick: Mammoth
Ashley
Colorado is the favourite here, but anything less than a blowout against the Black Wolves, who are in a state of flux, and you’ll have the Mammoth being quoted as them, “having more in the tank and making sure they play a full 60 minutes.” Colorado on the road.
Pick: Mammoth
Pat
This one is probably the toughest one for me. Both squads are coming off losses and are trying to avoid trending in the wrong direction. I give the edge to New England purely on their strong record at home and on Sunday afternoons.
Pick: Black Wolves
Shanny
Pick: Black Wolves
Tweet @NLL using #COLvsNE
Make sure to check out my 1-on-1 interview with NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz here: https://t.co/qnoXZjpFFo
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.
