NLL Crystal Ball: Week 15

I went 2-2 last week. The blame lies entirely at the feet of Philadelphia. Thanks a lot, jerks! I'm now 33-26 on the season, which is one up on Jenner and Pilson and a lot up on the other Insiders. This week's matchups are interesting, and thankfully the Wings don't play so they can't screw up my prognosticating ... this week. There's the battle for second overall; actually, it's not much a battle, since Colorado only needs to win one more game on the season to ensure they finish ahead of everyone in the East. There's also a battle of cellar-dwellers between Buffalo and Edmonton; a win would give either team an advantage in the race to not miss the playoffs. My picks and favourites are after the break.

This Week's Picks

1. Calgary at Rochester
1. The Roughnecks are a win or two away from clinching their second straight regular-season title; the Knighthawks are a win or two away from clinching a playoff spot. I have to go with the better team again this week.
2. Washington at Minnesota
1. Benny or not, the Swarm will win. Actually, I don't really have a strong opinion either way, but I'll stick with Minnesota.
3. Buffalo at Edmonton
1. On paper the Bandits should win this game, but that's been true of most of their games this year and they probably won't even hit .500 this season. The Rush will scrape this one out, somehow.
4. Toronto at Colorado
1. This is the toughest pick of the week. The Rock are on a hot streak, but the Mammoth have been consistent all season. Early on Friday it looked like the Rock weren't going to make it to Denver, which would've made this an easy pick. I know Grant isn't going off to break the regular-season scoring record against the Rock, but I figure Doyle will pass Gait on the all-time scoring list. The Rock win, possibly in OT ... I think ... I mean, I hope.

Favourites to Win the Cup
As always, I look at the standings, analyze the playoff matchups and predict who has the best shot at winning the Champion's Cup if the playoffs started today.

1. (1) Calgary (would beat Edmonton, Colorado and Toronto)
1. How do I know today is Friday the 13th? We're getting closer to my pre-season prediction of a Calgary-Toronto finals coming true. Scary!
2. (2) Colorado (would beat Minnesota and lose to Calgary)
1. If Colorado wins this weekend, then it'll be pretty clear that the West final will be the 'real' championship.
3. (4) Toronto (would beat Rochester and Philadelphia before losing to Calgary)
1. A win this weekend, especially a convincing one, and there is hope yet that the final could be a battle of the best two teams.
4. (3) Philadelphia (would beat Buffalo and lose to Toronto)
1. They've lost three straight to fall from a commanding lead in the East.
5. (5) Minnesota (would lose to Colorado)
1. Just when I think they're falling back to earth, they win a game.
6. (8) Buffalo (would lose to Philadelphia)
1. If Cosmo keeps playing like he did last weekend, watch out for Buffalo.
7. (6) Rochester (would lose to Toronto)
1. Was the game last week the first indication that Rochester can stage a comeback rather than just scoring goals in garbage time to make their losses seem less embarrassing?
8. (7) Edmonton (would lose to Calgary)
1. The attempt to feed the Calgary-Edmonton rivalry may end up killing the Rush franchise.
9. (9) Washington (not in playoff picture)
1. When you disappear after two straight championship appearances, you deserve the name 'Stealth.'