Following a light schedule last weekend, the National Lacrosse League kicks back up with four games on the Week 8 slate.
A huge doubleheader for Vancouver as they have a chance to jump out of the West basement. The East Division is as close as ever and it’ll be interesting to see how the standings look come Sunday after the Swarm, Black Wolves and Rock take the floor.
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 (1-4) at Colorado Mammoth (3-1) – Friday, 9:30pm ET
Andy
A sigh of relief could be felt across Stealth nation as they finally broke the goose egg by defeating Buffalo back on January 13. They’ve had a week off to feel good about themselves and head into Denver to take on a Mammoth team also fresh from a bye.
Colorado wins in a close one.
Pick: Mammoth
Ashley
Vancouver is no longer winless. It was a gutsy victory from them in their last game, but I still have to go with the Mammoth until the Stealth prove a little bit more that they’ve turned a corner.
Pick: Mammoth
Tyson
I think this team took serious strides in Week 6. If they can get strong performances from their top guys like they did against the Bandits, they can take this one.
Pick: Stealth
Shanny
Pick: Mammoth
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #VANvsCOL
New England Black Wolves (4-1) at Toronto Rock (3-2) – Saturday, 7pm ET
Andy
First place in the East is on the line in the NLL Twitter Game of the Week. Black Wolves haven’t lost in 2018 and are quietly putting together a phenomenal run. The Rock’s offense is exploding following a slow start to the season and possess so many weapons. If New England can keep this low scoring they’ll pull off the “W”.
Pick: Black Wolves
Ashley
Defense has been the bread and butter for the Black Wolves, but Toronto aren’t scrubs in that department. Coupled with their scoring the Rock keep on rolling.
Pick: Rock
Tyson
This Toronto offense is red hot. Their defense is now performing. This team’s looking like a Champion’s Cup contender. They’ll take this one on Saturday night.
Pick: Rock
Shanny
Pick: Rock
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #NEvsTOR
Saskatchewan Rush (4-1) at Calgary Roughnecks (1-4) – Saturday, 9pm ET
Andy
The Rush rarely lose at home, nevermind lose after taking a 6-0 first quarter lead. Both happened this past weekend as Buffalo won an overtime thriller. Saskatchewan is always dangerous and are especially surly after a rare defeat. I think this will be a long night for the Roughnecks.
Pick: Rush
Ashley
The Rush are set to get back on track. A great effort from the Bandits ruined their undefeated bid, but now that they’ve been brought back down to earth it’s time to refocus. I think it’ll come in Calgary.
Pick: Rush
Tyson
Calgary always has a difficult time with Sask and it doesn’t help that they’re slumping. Last week proved anything can happen, but I think the Rush are going to come out flying on Saturday night, especially after the way they lost last weekend.
Pick: Rush
Shanny
Pick: Rush
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #SASvsCAL
Georgia Swarm (2-3) at Vancouver Stealth (?-?) – Saturday, 10pm ET
Andy
Interesting matchup here as we balance the Stealth playing the second of a back-to-back compared to Georgia’s sub .500 away and overall record. I still need to give an edge to the defending champs who are rested and were victorious on the road their last time out.
Pick: Swarm
Ashley
A back end of a double header is tough, however, Georgia have won just one of it’s three games on the road this season. Maybe this is the game this weekend that helps Vancouver take the first step in that slow climb up the standings.
Pick: Stealth
Tyson
The Swarm are finding their way. They’ll have the Stealth in the second game of their back to back so this game should be theirs for the taking.
Pick: Swarm
Shanny
Pick: Swarm
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #GAvsVAN
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.
