NLL Insider

Turns out Week No. 13 of the National Lacrosse League was an unlucky 13 for a few of the pickers here. A couple of 1-7 weekends shuffled the standings a bit and if it was gonna happen at any point of the season, last week was a good time for it. Why? Week 14 has a full slate of 10 tilts on tap, a setting ripe for making up some ground. So as yours truly sets out to defend his three-game lead in the overall standings with a 43-29 record, he’s looking over his shoulder as a hungry pack of cohorts tries to chase him down.

	Chavez 43-29	Pilson 40-32	Kojima 39-33	Tutka 39-33	Jenner 37-35	Ward 34-37	Shanahan 34-37
Friday
MIN @ SJ
BOS @ TOR
ROC @ COL
POR @ EDM
Saturday
PHI @ NY
BUF @ BOS
EDM @ MIN
ROC @ CAL
COL @ POR
Sunday
NY @ PHIL

Minnesota at San Jose

“When the season might be on the line, I have to go with the team that has Colin Doyle.” _ Brian Shanahan

“The Stealth have been wildly inconsistent and often plain bad this season and a mid-season coaching shakeup can’t help the team’s morale behind closed doors. I like Minny’s balance from top to bottom to be the difference in this one.” _ Ty Pilson

Boston at Toronto

“Toronto’s win over Calgary didn’t convince me the Rock are for real. The loss the next night in Edmonton only reinforced that doubt. Look for Cosmo to shine in his return to the ACC.” _ Ty Pilson

“Toronto is not the only desperate team this weekend.” _ Brian Shanahan

Rochester at Colorado

“What gives with the Mammoth? While injuries have clearly hurt them on the back end, their defence swings between good and bad from game-to-game like a metronome. Colorado’s D was terrible in a loss to Philly last weekend, which means they should be tight this time around. Right?” _ Ty Pilson

“There’s no room for error in any aspect of Rochester’s game for this matchup, and I think the boys will be ready for this one.” _ Bob Chavez

Portland at Edmonton

“Two desperate teams. The Rush have a habit of underachieving, the Jax a habit of rising to the challenge.” _ Ty Pilson

“Edmonton has looked bad more often than good but is coming back from two good efforts.” _ Brian Shanahan

Philadelphia vs. New York

“Neither team can afford to be swept in this series. I’m taking the split with the teams winning at home.” _ Brian Shanahan

“Both teams have their studs back on the floor and in good shape, so I see a pair of close games here, with each winning on their home floors.” _ Bob Chavez

Buffalo at Boston

“As much as I like Boston this year, I can’t see the Bandits losing a game that could cost them first place.” _ Brian Shanahan

“Buffalo’s been brilliant and mediocre but if first place is on the line, I’m gonna go with the brilliant Bandits showing up.” _ Bob Chavez

Edmonton at Minnesota

“Minnesota has not been good at home but Edmonton has been even worse on the road.” _ Brian Shanahan

“There’s urgency on both benches, and I think the Swarm will respond better to this ‘playoff’ pressure.” _ Bob Chavez

Rochester at Calgary

“Four players in the top-10 of scoring and two goalies in the top four when it comes to GAA. The Riggers have tons of talent and plenty of chemistry. Dangerous combination.” _ Ty Pilson

“If Rochester gets into any type of penalty trouble, Calgary’s torrid power play will rip apart Rochester.” _ Brian Shanahan

Colorado at Portland

“I don’t think Colorado is good enough to go 2-0 (this weekend) and I don’t think Portland is bad enough to go 0-2.” _ Brian Shanahan

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