NLL Insider

Still waiting, and waiting. And waiting. For what? For someone on this NLLInsider.com staff pick ‘em thing to find a clear leader, that’s what.

All seven of us on the staff are having pretty solid seasons being predictors of this great game, but no one’s taking charge. Ty Pilson made a nice run with a 4-1 record last weekend, but that only moved him into a tie (Ty is tied? Bet he’s never heard that one before) with yours truly at the top with 18-10 records. Steve Kojima, Paul Tutka and Brian Shanahan are all knotted up next with respectable 16-12 marks, while Ted Jenner and Lauren Ward round up the rear with 15-13 records. So without further delay, read ‘em and weep.

	Chavez 18-10	Pilson 18-10	Kojima 16-12	Tutka 16-12	Shanahan 16-12	Jenner 15-13	Ward 15-13
Friday
BUF @ PHIL
MIN @ CAL
Saturday
EDM @ TOR
NY @ BOS
COL @ MIN
SJ @ POR
Sunday
PHI @ NY

Friday
Buffalo at Philadelphia

“Call it a hunch, but I think Buffalo might do well this year.” _ Paul Tutka

“This is a huge weekend for Philly, they need to get the train back on the tracks before it comes to a crashing halt. Unfortunately it wont be this weekend. Buffalo is just too good and will be able to control the Wings anemic offense.” _ Ted Jenner

“Buffalo has a great defence, transition and offence. The team’s best attribute, however, is its two-headed monster in goal. No matter who starts – Thompson or Montour — Bandits have the edge.” _ Ty Pilson

Minnesota at Calgary

“This is the battle everyone has been waiting for. Most folks’ pre-season West favourite Swarm against the got-no-respect early Roughnecks. I think Calgary’s high-powered offence gives it the edge.” _ Ty Pilson

“A pick-em game, as far as I’m concerned. Both do well in all ends of the floor but I think Calgary’s been more steady on the O. If Point breaks out of his slump, Minny could very well win this game, though.” _ Bob Chavez

“I’m a huge Minnesota fan but I think the Roughies are just playing way to good right and the play of Paddy Campbell has some talking MVP sleeper.” _ Ted Jenner

“From the outset I thought Minnesota was the best in the West so I have to take them here.” _ Brian Shanahan

“Chavez dared me to go against Calgary, so I will. But seriously, this one could go either way. I love the way both these teams play from both a tactical and entertainment standpoint. They cancel each other out in a lot of areas, so tough to figure this out by a tale-of-the-tape type mentality. Whoever can finish more off the press and get solid tending should have this in the bag. I’ll take Minny with Point shaking off this slump in a very even game.” _ Paul Tutka

Saturday
Edmonton at Toronto

“Think Benesch and the Rush could put up some good numbers against the Rock D, and Toronto could also get back on track with a more complete team effort. T.O. won’t want to lose this one though, especially with Buffalo as their opponent each of the next two weeks.” _ Steve Kojima

“Who’s more desparate for this win? I say the Rock but its close.” _ Brian Shanahan

“I want to take Toronto cuz on paper they should have this one (and a ton previously), but for whatever reason, this team has not answered the bell this year or last. Previous to their stinker in San Jose, the Rush showed a lot of heart after a loss in 2009, which was actually really impressive to see. Even with all the Benesch and Suddons return drama, I think Chugger plays solid and Teat continues his clutch play with a good three or four goals.” _ Paul Tutka

“Both teams need this win. It was too bad the two losses last week dropped the Rush from 3rd to last in the west so they need to get back on track. Suddons and Benesch walk into the ACC with something to prove. The Rock offence steps up and puts on a great performance lead by Wiles and Ratcliff. The question in Edmonton is who gets the start? The Rush continue to improve and win a classic!” _ Ted Jenner

“Toronto is showing signs of improvement under Jamie Batley while the Rush look to be going the other way after dropping a bomb against San Jose.” _ Ty Pilson

“Gotta agree with Shanny on this one. Both are pretty desperate, but I think the Rock O has the slight edge here.” _ Bob Chavez

New York at Boston

“I like the Titans offence — a lot. Boston has showed well and these two teams are very familiar with each other. I think New York looks to make a statement after losing to Colorado.” _ Ty Pilson

“NY took the first meeting between these two and have looked great all season. The Blazers are playing some great lacrosse and don’t look like an expansion team at all. I think the Titans are just a little bit better but wouldn’t be surprised with a Boston win.” _ Ted Jenner

“NY’s been touted as a title contender and they’ll be eager to make up for last week’s clunker. Nothing’s a better motivator than that and as well as Boston’s played, I don’t think it’ll be able to contain NY.” _ Bob Chavez

“I like Boston but don’t think the defence has the poise or experience to handle a New York team that needs to rebound from last week’s loss.” _ Brian Shanahan

“Boston ran into a blazing hot Matt Disher last week, but played well for the most part even though they lost. Cosmo played probably some of his best ball this year too though, which he wasn’t the last time the Titans were in town. Think Dawson and Co. come up huge on O and Coz continues his solid play.” _ Paul Tutka

“I’m not a believer in the Blazers yet, plus New York lit them up earlier this year. However, provided they don’t lose any of their D guys as a result of fights, Boston could steal this one and give themselves a legitimate shot at playoffs.” _ Steve Kojima

Colorado at Minnesota

“Think Minnesota is the better overall team. Just hoping Craig Point saves his breakout game for the home crowd.” _ Steve Kojima

“Don’t think the doubleheader hurts ‘em too much going from Alberta to Minny and the Swarm come into this one ready to go like they would any other night.” _ Paul Tutka
“Going against the ‘tired team’ logic. I just feel that the the hardworking Swarm will gut out a win.” _ Brian Shanahan

“I love Minnesota’s style and I think they’ll be plenty amped after dropping a close in Calgary the night before.” _ Bob Chavez

“Tough travel day for the Swarm who will host a fresh and rejuvenated Mammoth squad. I liked the play of Leyshon last week and I think they may give him the nod again. Minnesota plays great at home and teams playing back to back games tend to do well in the NLL…. The Swarm will have a great showing from Sean Pollock and they win in front of an electric X-Cel center.” _ Ted Jenner

“The Mammoth get the edge as the well-rested team facing a Swarm club coming off a big game against Calgary and a flight home to play the next night. Tiring test, to say the least.” _ Ty Pilson

San Jose at Portland

“Will the real San Jose Stealth please stand up, please stand up. I like San Jose’s offence to be the difference here.” _ Ty Pilson

“Both these teams are playing some inspired lacrosse right now and putting a lot of heat on the teams ahead of them. Disher is playing unconscious right now and the Jax are getting some great performances from a different guy every night. The Stealth are the Jekyll and Hyde of the league right now. But after a huge offensive showing last week and an inspired Defensive performance holding the Rush to 6 goals look for the them to win a shoot out” _ Ted Jenner

“Originally I was picking San Jose but when I thought about the giants on Portland, I talked myself out of it.” _ Brian Shanahan

“I’ve been a real fan of the Jax’s heavy footed transition and obviously of the insane season Disher is having. If Dish is anywhere near where he’s been for most of 09, not sure even Doyle and Zywicki can solve him. I’ll stick with The Fish.” _ Paul Tutka

“I could see this one going either way like most games this weekend. San Jose has a lot of talent but I like how the ‘Jax find ways to win” _ Steve Kojima

“Classic matchup of high-powered offense against a big defense. Gotta go with the defense of Disher and Portland here.” _ Bob Chavez

Philadelphia at New York

“I actually like New York for this game but I just can’t see the Wings starting the season 1-5.” _ Brian Shanahan

“New York has a legit team and think they come out jacked up for this game. Take the Titans to solidify their second place hold on the East Division.” _ Steve Kojima

“Think this one turns out to be a high scoring back-and-forth barn burner with the game winner coming down to the wire. Not sure who I should go with. Will flip a coin on this one … Wings it is. Game winner? Let’s say Jordan Levine after scoopin’ a loosie in his own end.” _ Paul Tutka

“The biggest question in this game will be, will the Wings fans out number the Titans fans? This game will be a very fiercely contested one and be won by the team that can win the battles in the corner. Will we see Snider and Smith go? Can the Wings contain Casey Powell? I think the athleticism of the Titans carries them to the win and the Wings begin the search for their new coach!” _ Ted Jenner

“Not impressed with Philly so far this year. Sorry, Geoff.” _ Ty Pilson

Rate This Story:

(+28 rating, 9 votes)

 Loading ...