The clock is ticking on the National Lacrosse League regular season with just two weeks remaining and three playoff spots still to be locked up. Four games are on tap this Saturday night so let’s dive into some predictions!
Teams on bye – Calgary Roughnecks
This season NLL staff members Andy McNamara, Mia Gordon, Tyson Geick, and Brian Shanahan deliver their game predictions every week. Here are the standings so far:
| TEAM | WINS | LOSSES | GB |
| 1. Andy | 37 | 28 | — |
| 2. Mia | 37 | 28 | — |
| 3. Tyson | 34 | 31 | 3 |
| 4. Shanny | 31 | 34 | 6 |
Send us your picks @NLL on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using the specific game hashtags for each match-up below.
New England Black Wolves (8-8) at Rochester Knighthawks (5-10) – Saturday, 7:30pm ET
Andy
Simple math for these two clubs this weekend. A win clinches a playoff berth for New England and a loss by Rochester eliminates the Knighthawks from the post-season. The Black Wolves have certainly hit their stride, but I’m not ready to count the K-Hawks out quite yet when their backs are pinned against the wall. Upset time.
Pick: Knighthawks
Mia
I was told by New England that they have been having luck since I haven’t picked them lately and asked me to please not pick them this week. But here is the thing- after the confidence boost of last week’s win in Sask and the fact that they are one win away from the playoffs, I feel the top guns will come out blazing in this one.
So I am sorry New England but I am picking you this week
Pick: Black Wolves
Tyson
Strong performance from this New England team that would’ve gained a lot of confidence last week with a win over Sask. I think they can continue to take post-season form with a win over the Knighthawks.
Pick: Black Wolves
Shanny
Pick: Black Wolves
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #NEvsROC
Georgia Swarm (11-4) at Buffalo Bandits (6-10) – Saturday, 7:30pm ET
Andy
Well better late than never for the Bandits to wake up this season. Buffalo came within a whisker of sweeping their back-to-back Week 16 contests and can go for redemption against the Swarm on Saturday.
Despite clinching the East Division, Georgia could clinch the best overall record in the NLL this season with a victory and Saskatchewan loss. That would mean home floor advantage throughout the playoffs. I feel that the Bandits made their last stand a week ago and will come up short.
Pick: Swarm
Mia
It was a very close game last week between the Bandits and the Swarm. Now Buffalo is well rested and has a lot on the line. I think they might just come up with the upset in this one.
Pick: Bandits
Tyson
Do or die for the Bandits. And with a win this weekend and a Toronto loss it’ll all come down to the final game of the season to see who will make the playoffs. Now THAT will be an exciting scenario.
Pick: Bandits
Shanny
Pick: Swarm
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #GAvsBUF
Toronto Rock (8-8) at Saskatchewan Rush (10-5) – Saturday, 9:30pm ET
Andy
Toronto is sliding and the Rush are going to be extra motivated after their first home loss of the year. Not the best time for the Rock to be heading into Saskatchewan. I believe this will be a tremendous back and forth battle, but just don’t see Sask losing two straight in front of the black and green faithful.
Pick: Rush
Mia
Despite their loss last week, the Rush have been so solid at home all season long and I am expecting a bounce back performance for them here in hopes of locking up the West.
Pick: Rush
Tyson
Saskatchewan’s been great at home, and Toronto’s been on a losing skid. I’ve got to go with the Rush.
Pick: Rush
Shanny
Pick: Rush
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #TORvsSAS
Colorado Mammoth (9-7) at Vancouver Stealth (7-9) – Saturday, 10pm ET
Andy
What a difference a week makes. Vancouver was on the verge of missing the playoffs yet again until they downed Calgary. Now they have a chance to double dip – win and they not only clinch a playoff spot, but also eliminate the Roughnecks.
Colorado already has their ticket punched, however, there is still a guaranteed playoff date at Pepsi Center on the line if they can grab the “W”. Vancouver seems to like the drama in 2017 so I believe it will go to next weekend’s regular season finale to decide the last post-season slot in the West…that means the Mammoth win.
Pick: Mammoth
Mia
Vancouver knows what is on the line, and they have had a lot of success against Colorado so far this season.
Pick: Stealth
Tyson
Colorado’s starting to take post-season form, and I’ve got a good feeling they’ll come out with a strong team effort against the Stealth.
Pick: Mammoth
Shanny
Pick: Stealth
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #COLvsVAN
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.
