NLL Insider

So is this where Ty Pilson pulls away? He went 3-2 last week, which isn’t exactly a sparkling weekend, but it was enough to give him a two-game lead in the overall standings. It’s the biggest lead of any leader at any point this season among the staffers for our National Lacrosse League picks. A lot can happen this weekend, though, as outside of the San Jose-Edmonton tilt, there really isn’t a consensus pick and that means there’s the potential for a bit of shifting in the standings.

	Pilson 36-23	Chavez 34-25	Kojima 34-25	Tutka 33-26	Jenner 31-28	Ward 31-28	Shanahan 28-31
Saturday
ROC @ TOR
POR @ BUF
COL @ CAL
EDM @ SJ
Sunday
MIN @ COL

Rochester at Toronto

“If Watson can give them anything close to the game he put up against Boston, Toronto should string enough points together to edge out the Hawks. Wiles gets another hat-trick and Conn gives the Rochester D some serious headaches while making noise inside.” _ Paul Tutka

“Both clubs looked good last week and this game could go either way, but I think Rochester looked a lot more comfortable in its own skin, while Toronto’s already got that playoff mentality working because every game from here on out is that important for the Rock if they want a postseason. I’m going with confidence to beat panic.” _ Bob Chavez

“These two teams have some great history and this battle will hopefully lead one to the playoffs and separate them from the other. Toronto’s playing well these days but will they be able to shut down Shawn Evans? I don’t think so. But Watson will ensure that the Rock have a chance to win and they will!” _ Ted Jenner

“Both teams are coming off big statement wins last weekend. But, the Rock have burned me more than once in the picks this season and I think Rochester — with Point coming into his own — has the edge in this one.” _ Ty Pilson

“Although I’ve got a good feeling for Toronto in this game, I won’t be fooled again and I’m going to remember my promise to not pick the Rock until I’m convinced they can play with any kind of consistency.” _ Brian Shanahan

Portland at Buffalo

“Buffalo will shut down the LumberJax offence to take this one.” _ Brian Shanahan

“Can’t play it safe all the time. Buffalo is coming off a tough loss and going up against a well-rested Jax squad. Just have a feeling on this one.” _ Ty Pilson

“The Jax are either gonna be showing some rust or coming out firing on all cylinders like they were almost a month back. Really gonna come down to which MVP calibre keeper comes up with more momentum shifting saves. Been a huge fan of Disher this year, so will stick with him in what should be a great game.” _ Paul Tutka

“Portland has had some serious RnR. Will help or hurt them? They have a bad taste in their mouth after their last trip the HSBC Arena and would like to exercise their demons. But there isn’t too much that cures Mark Steenhuis. I’d love to say the Jax will walk into Buffalo and steal a victory but I just don’t think it will happen on this night.” _ Ted Jenner

“Buffalo is well aware of its back-end problems and Portland will do all it can to exploit it, but I think the Bandits are pissed off at themselves and will come out on fire to make amends.” _ Bob Chavez

Colorado at Calgary

“Like the Bandits last year, the Mammoth have done a pretty nice job of responding on the floor after getting hit by some high profile injuries (Nash, Carey, Murray). Calgary will be a tough game to come away a W with, but with the way Prout, Langtry, Leyshon and others are playing, they’re definitely worth a gamble here, plus they’re already 1-0 against the Necks this year.” _ Paul Tutka

“Calgary is firing on all cylinders right now and they are looking to avenge the Mammoth for giving them their first loss of the season.” _ Brian Shanahan

“Look for the high pressure Necks D to pursue the Mammoth all over the floor and another explosive night from the Calgary offense will further their lead in the West.” _ Ted Jenner

“This one is a tough pick, in that Colorado has really come on. I was the lone Insider to pick them to win last weekend. I really like this team. They are getting excellent goaltending from Leyshon and the offence is clicking, led by a resurgent Prout. That said, Calgary is the better team right now.” _ Ty Pilson

“Calgary’s got a bit of revenge on its mind and will use this game to prove it’s the best of the West.” _ Bob Chavez

Edmonton at San Jose

“Both teams have talent, it’s just too bad both are just so inconsistent. But unfortunately I’m off the Rush train and taking the Stealth to win this one. If its not close look for the Rush to vent some frustration much like the start of the second half in their last game.” _ Ted Jenner

“The Rush O and San Jose D (especially their short-man) have been equally inconsistent lately. With Santos adding leadership and Holmes adding some decent wheels, you’d have to think some issues in their own end were fixed this past week. With one team being pushed to the West basement after this one, I’ll take the Stealth to stay in the playoff race.” _ Paul Tutka

“The additions will fix what’s wrong with the Stealth defense, and they’ll roll.” _ Bob Chavez

“If San Jose wants any chance to make the playoffs, they have to start a winning streak now.” _ Brian Shanahan

“While both teams have been dreadful of late, the Stealth are now in a must-win situation to make the post-season and are playing for that, and pride.” _ Ty Pilson

Minnesota at Colorado

“Brian Langtry and Gavin Prout will provide the offense and some solid team defense will give Colorado this very important victory.” _ Brian Shanahan

“Minnesota’s been a fantastic road team, but it’s a different road in Colorado and the Mammoth take this one, 13-9. Yeah, I’m naming the score.” _ Bob Chavez

“If the Mammoth can keep the Swarm running they have a solid chance, and I think the Tar Pit will be the deciding factor.” _ Ted Jenner

“The Swarm are again playing the kinda ball that made them one of last year’s most exciting and impressive teams. Know I pumped up the Mammoth’s wheels above, but gonna keep riding this Minny streak, especially with their uber impressive record on the road (4-2). I’ll take Marohl with his third straight game winner too. Dude has been on fire lately.” _ Paul Tutka

“Tough weekend for Colorado as they travel home to play a waiting Swarm squad after facing Roughnecks. That said, they prevail in this one.” _ Ty Pilson

Rate This Story:

(+12 rating, 3 votes)

 Loading ...