Unpredictability is one of the many things that makes the National Lacrosse League great, and oh my did we get that opening weekend!
The defending champion Swarm were upset by New England and 2016 basement dwelling Buffalo popping up to sting the Rock were a couple of those surprise finishes. The crack NLL staff went a combine 2-and-14 in our picks, let’s see if we can rally in Week 2.
NLL staff members Andy McNamara, Ashley Docking, Tyson Geick, 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 at Calgary Roughnecks- Friday, 9:00pm ET
Andy
Last season Vancouver was stronger on the road and Calgary was real tough at home…to me that means a close battle between these western Canadian rivals. Overall I believe that the Roughnecks will have the better season, but it’s the Stealth that sneak out a “W” here.
Pick: Stealth
Ashley
Pick: Roughnecks
Tyson
The crowd will be behind them and this Calgary team needs to come out fighting. Last week was downright embarrassing, and this group is better than what they showed. Week 2 needs to be looked at as a fresh start.
Pick: Roughnecks
Shanny
Pick: Roughnecks
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #VANvsCAL
Saskatchewan Rush (0-0) at Toronto Rock (0-1)- Saturday, 7:00pm ET
Andy
The Rush and Rock split their 2017 season series with each club winning at home. I see the same trend this year. Toronto’s youth is more experienced and weapons like Adam Jones makes them even more dangerous. In my opinion Saskatchewan is still one of the top two teams in the NLL, however, they are notorious slow schedule starters. My lacrosse crystal ball foresees a tight, double digit scoring thriller at the Air Canada Centre.
Pick: Rock
Ashley
Pick: Rock
Tyson
I think the Rush will be hungry for a hot start. The bye week will help them instead of hurting them. The Rush went 0-2 to start last season, so the desire for a win out of the gate will be there.
Pick: Rush
Shanny
Pick: Rock
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #SASvsTOR
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.
