A light, but important Week 20 schedule in the National Lacrosse League. Two East battles have playoff tie breaker implications along with seeding position. The march to the post-season continues starting Saturday night so 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.
New England Black Wolves (8-8) at Rochester Knighthawks (9-7) – Saturday, 7:30pm ET
Andy
If the East has taught us anything this season it’s to expect the unexpected. Trends have been difficult to track with the incredible log jam all year. However, Rochester is proving to separate themselves at the right time. Despite the Black Wolves late push, the Knighthawks are just too good right now.
Pick: Knighthawks
Shanny
Pick: Knighthawks
Ashley
New England hasn’t won three games straight since January, so I apologize if I’m not on this bandwagon that they’ve made a total 180.
Have they played better? Yes! Are consecutive wins against two West Division opponents impressive? Absolutely. However, Rochester is on a different level than Colorado and Calgary at the moment. Not only can they rattle off 16, 17 goals on any given night, but losing two games back-to-back to the Black Wolves almost seems like it was a different season.
Knighthawks are playing at home this post-season.
Pick: Knighthawks
Tyson
Pick: Knighthawks
Pat
Pick: Knighthawks
Tweet at @NLL using #NEvsROC
Toronto Rock (7-9) at Buffalo Bandits (8-8) – 7:30pm ET
Andy
The “must win” cliche actually applies here as Toronto needs a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. This is also an important divisional tie breaker as the two clubs have split the season series 1-1. What more could lacrosse fans ask for then a pivotal matchup between two heated rivals?
Desperation rules the day as the Rock keep the East log jammed.
Pick: Rock
Shanny
Pick: Bandits
Ashley
Let’s go with Toronto in this one. They have Tom Schreiber back, Buffalo has been a bit inconsistent as of late and oh ya, they literally have no choice but to win if they want to have a shot at the playoffs. If that’s not motivation I’m not sure what is.
Pick: Rock
Tyson
Pick: Rock
Pat
Pick: Rock
Tweet at @NLL using #TORvsBUF
Calgary Roughnecks (7-9) at Vancouver Stealth (2-14) – Saturday, 10pm ET
Andy
Last kick at the can for Vancouver to get a win in front of their home faithful. The Roughnecks are trying to balance staying finely tuned and focused, while not getting injured with only two weeks left to play. Stealth squeak out a one goal victory and send the crowd away happy.
Pick: Stealth
Shanny
Pick: Roughnecks
Ashley
Not a lot on the line in this game. Calgary is looking to stay on form for the playoffs and not sustain any undue injuries, while Vancouver would probably like to finish on a high note. It’s their last home game of the season, is it so hard to believe they reward fans for their loyalty and support all year? Stealth for the dub.
Pick: Stealth
Tyson
Pick: Roughnecks
Pat
Pick: Roughnecks
Tweet at @NLL using #CGYvsVAN
Check out my “NLL Rookie Watch – 2018 Review” piece here: https://bit.ly/2qGuKu2
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.
