By Andy McNamara | NLL.com Staff Writer
Photo Credit Jack Dempsey
If you liked upsets and surprises then Week 10 was perfect. The underdogs ruled as New England, Calgary and Vancouver all stepped up for clutch victories that kept division playoff races as close as ever. Let’s see what this weekend has in store.
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:
Send us your picks @NLL on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using the specific game hashtags for each match-up below.
Calgary Roughnecks (4-6) at Toronto Rock (5-4) – Saturday, 7pm ET
Andy
It’ll be an emotional night at the Air Canada Centre as former Toronto captain and an all-time NLL great Colin Doyle has his #7 retired to the rafters. Calgary found success getting off to a fast start in their upset over Georgia last Saturday. That may be difficult to replicate since the Rock should be riled up from the Doyle tribute. Roughnecks keeps it interesting, but home team completes the feel good story for “Popeye”.
Pick: Rock
Mia
Last week we saw a completely different Calgary team. One that came out strong, their vet players firing early, and what a night for Dane Dobbie. They proved they can play the full 60-minutes, and with such a tight race in the West they know every game is a must win. I am feeling that experience will trump in this matchup.
Pick: Roughnecks
Tyson
The Roughnecks exploded with a fantastic performance last week, and I think that game will ignite this team. The Rock are experiencing some struggles (though the games they’ve dropped have been very close), and I think the Roughnecks will be looking to capitalize on that. Calgary had an extremely poor start the last game against the Rock, and I don’t expect that to happen again this weekend.
Pick: Roughnecks
Shanny
Pick: Rock
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #CALvsTOR
Colorado Mammoth (6-4) at Saskatchewan Rush (6-3) – Saturday, 8:30pm ET
Andy
The Rush will not be in a good mood and that’s bad news for Colorado who plays their first of a back-to-back in Saskatchewan. The two-time defending NLL champs are undefeated at home and the snapping of their six game winning streak gives head coach Derek Keenan an excuse to crack the whip on his talented group. I see the Rush correcting their transition issues and pull out a close one.
Pick: Rush
Mia
Can I just say I have no idea? Last time these two met it was the same circumstance, first place on the line all decided by one goal. Colorado is still missing some key pieces to the puzzle, and the Rush are going to want a come back after last week’s loss (I mean no goals for Mark Matthews?!?)
Pick: Rush
Tyson
The Saskatchewan Rush love playing at home, and SaskTel doesn’t appear to be an easy building to play in. That will be a challenge for the Mammoth, who will be going up against a squad that didn’t look like themselves in the previous weekend. Bounce back performances certainly aren’t uncommon in this league. This one will be a very close one, but I’ve got to put my money on Sask.
Pick: Rush
Shanny
Pick: Rush
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #COLvsSAS
Georgia Swarm (7-2) at New England Black Wolves (4-6) – Sunday, 1pm ET
Andy
The Swarm have already defeated the Black Wolves twice this season (14-9 and 17-15). However, both times were in Georgia and New England always looks extra amped up at home.
I think the difference will come down to goaltending. Evan Kirk reverted back to his 2016 NLL Goaltender of the Year form this past week in an overtime “W” over Toronto. He was beyond lights out, but can he replicate that against the firepower of the Swarm? The last time Georgia lost they faced New England and blasted in 17 goals. This encounter will be lower scoring with the visitors leaving Connecticut victorious.
Pick: Swarm
Mia
Another team that is going to want a bounce back this week is the Georgia Swarm. The team looked flat after their bye week, but this group also hasn’t lost back to back games. I think we will see a much different Georgia squad this week.
Pick: Swarm
Tyson
The Swarm were embarrassed last weekend against the Roughnecks, and as I previously stated, bounce back performances aren’t uncommon in the NLL. The Swarm have had the Black Wolves number this season, and a stronger start will ensure success for this team in Week 11.
Pick: Swarm
Shanny
Pick: Swarm
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #GAvsNE
Vancouver Stealth (4-6) at Colorado Mammoth (???) – Sunday, 9pm ET
Andy
The Stealth produced their first complete game of the season as well as win number one in their own building this past weekend playing the role of giant killer by surprising the mighty Rush 13-9. Three of Vancouver’s four victories have come on the road and the Mammoth will be coming off a hard fought battle in Saskatchewan the night before. However, this Colorado club is too good to lose two-in-a-row and will send the Pepsi Center faithful away happy.
Pick: Mammoth
Mia
Another hard choice! The Stealth played some of their best lacrosse last week against a really tough opponent. They also have one win and a very close loss to the Mammoth, but according to the statistics, the team that plays back to back games usually has the upper hand, and with Colorado’s defense as of late, it is going to be tough to find a way past Dillon Ward.
Pick: Mammoth
Tyson
With the season series tied one-a-piece, the Mammoth should be in for another close one, but I’m leaning towards them in their second game in as many nights this weekend. The Stealth won’t be easy competition though, as they’re starting to play like more of a cohesive unit. I’m looking forward to watching Dillon Ward go head-to-head with Tye Belanger in this game. The Mammoth defense will be the ultimate key here.
Pick: Mammoth
Shanny
Pick: Mammoth
Tweet @NLL your prediction using #VANvsCOL
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.
