NLL Insider

 Is this the calm before the storm? There are only 3 games this weekend (all of them on Saturday night) as half the NLL teams have the weekend off. Next week however is a much different story as there are 9 games from Thursday to Sunday. But despite the fact that there are only very few games being played, each of tonight’s games will have a bearing on first place battles. And in the case of Rochester and Edmonton, losses will almost kill playoff hopes.

Minnesota at Chicago.

This is Minnesota’s 2^nd of 4 games against Chicago in the second half of the season and is the reason that many people expect Minnesota to cruise to first or second in the division. However I expect Chicago to take one of these games, and after their victory in Rochester last weekend the team is feeling a little confident for the first time in a while. On the other side of the coin, Chicago’s victory will be a wakeup call and a warning for the Swarm not to be overconfident. I’m taking the Swarm tonight.

San Jose at Edmonton.

Edmonton has just completed a pile of deals that makes them look quite different. Gone are Accursi, Chris Gill, Matt Disher, and AJ Shannon. In their place are veterans Lindsay Plunkett, Dan Teat and a number of good young players. Just as important is the acquisition of draft picks. I think Bob Hamley as done good job preparing this team for the future but it would take a miracle worker to turn an 0-6 team into a playoff position. A  victory against the surging San Jose Stealth (with the best road record in the NLL) is also unlikely. Take San Jose tonight.

Philly at Rochester.

Rochester has been inconsistent all year and terrible the last two weeks. Philly has been the best team in the NLL most of this season but have looked bad in two of their last 3 games. This is a pivotal game for the Knighthawks playoff hopes. As bad as they have been all year the Knighthawks were quiet on trade deadline – and I don’t necessarily blame them. They definately  have some chemistry issues but it is better to make the deals in the summer when you have more options. I’ll take the more desperate team tonight, Rochester.

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