Five exciting matchups make up the National Lacrosse League Week 6 menu. Highlighted by a heavyweight tilt between a pair of 3-0 franchises in the Rush and Mammoth, we should begin to see some clarity in the standings around the NLL once Sunday morning rolls around.
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.
Rochester Knighthawks (2-1) at Toronto Rock (2-2) – Friday, 7:30pm ET
Andy
Our staff is split on this one. I’m fascinated to see these two potent offenses lock horns in an East Division rivalry matchup. Both clubs have been infused with talented youth, while mixing in veterans and solid goaltending.
Rochester is coming off a bye and they’ll need the rest as this is the first of a back to back for them. Don’t expect Toronto to slap 24 up on the scoreboard like last weekend, but the Rock attack has clearly awoken. I’ll take the home team.
Pick: Rock
Ashley
Pick: Knighthawks
Tyson
Pick: Knighthawks
Shanny
Pick: Rock
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #ROCvsTOR
New England Black Wolves (2-1) at Rochester Knighthawks (?-?) – Saturday, 7:30pm ET
Andy
The Knighthawks hustle back to Rochester from Toronto for another division encounter Saturday night, this time against New England. The K-Hawks roster is littered with young, fresh legs so playing on consecutive days doesn’t concern me.
The Black Wolves can make a real statement to the rest of the East with a “W” here. They are rested from an off week and will surely try to wear down their possibly tired opponents. Close and low scoring, i’ll give Rochester the weekend split.
Pick: Knighthawks
Ashley
Pick: Black Wolves
Tyson
Pick: Knighthawks
Shanny
Pick: Knighthawks
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #NEvsROC
Vancouver Stealth (0-4) at Buffalo Bandits (2-2) – Saturday, 7:30pm ET
Andy
Who would’ve guessed that Vancouver would be in a borderline must win situation in Week 6 after finishing second in the division last season. Good news for the Stealth is that they need to keep pace with Calgary for the final West playoff spot and the Roughnecks are currently sitting at one victory. So a win here and they are back in it.
The Bandits are Jekyl and Hyde so far in 2017/18. Their first and last outings were impressive, the two inbetween…not so much. Vancouver was above .500 on the road a year ago, however, until they notch that first “W” I just can’t confidently pick them. Neither can the other NLL staff members, make it a clean sweep for Buffalo.
Pick: Bandits
Ashley
Pick: Bandits
Tyson
Pick: Bandits
Shanny
Pick: Bandits
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #VANvsTOR
Saskatchewan Rush (3-0) at Colorado Mammoth (3-0) – Saturday, 9pm ET
Andy
Ladies and Gentlemen this is your main event of the evening! Saturday night lacrosse with the league’s only two undefeated teams. Rush coach Derek Keenan told Brian Shanahan and I before their first game that getting off to a fast start to the season was a top priority. Check off that item on the To-Do List!
However, we all expect Saskatchewan to thrive. The expectations for Colorado entering the year were much lower due to several personnel issues like injuries and retirement. This Mammoth team is taking the “us versus the world” mentality and overcoming. I’m predicting an evenly matched war that ends up in low double digit scoring. If it was at SaskTel Centre I’d give the edge to the Rush, but traditionally Colorado is hostile territory for visiting organizations. I’ll ride with the Mammoth.
Pick: Mammoth
Ashley
Pick: Mammoth
Tyson
Pick: Rush
Shanny
Pick: Rush
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #SASvsCOL
Georgia Swarm (1-3) at Calgary Roughnecks (1-3) – Saturday, 9pm ET
Andy
Both squads are teetering on being desperate for a win, but for Georgia it’s a little more dyer.
The Swarm are stuck in a championship hangover in a division race that could quickly get away from them if they don’t wake up. This group is too loaded with talent to stay down much longer.
On the other side, Calgary is inexplicably tied for the fewest goals scored. They own the horses to turn things around at any moment, and as long as they can keep ahead of winless Vancouver, should be able to limp into the playoffs. A positive switch will be flipped soon for the Roughnecks, I’m just not feeling it this Saturday.
Pick: Swarm
Ashley
Pick: Swarm
Tyson
Pick: Swarm
Shanny
Pick: Swarm
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #GAvsCAL
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.
