The Premier Lacrosse League is heading west for week nine of the regular season. Three games remain for each team as the push for playoff seeding intensifies. Hope your coffee maker is working, because we’re in for a couple late nights out here on the east coast.
Game 1: Chaos & Whipsnakes
Why does it feel like we just watched these two teams play each other? Oh yeah, because they played two weeks ago in Dallas in what was an instant classic overshadowed by the (pun intended) absolute chaos that was the game before it. Whipsnakes came out on top 17-16, relying on a late Willy Manny snipe from the right alley to seal the game. Chaos are *pauses to think* well they’re doing what they always seem to do. The regular season doesn’t mean much to these guys, but they do seem to come ready when they’re matched up against their reptilian opponents. We don’t know if Josh Byrne is playing yet at the time of this posting, but if he is, book Chaos for a nice little revenge win.
Prediction: Chaos ML (if Byrne plays), Over 23.5
Game 2: Chrome & Archers
IT’S A TRAP! Chrome have been an absolute trainwreck all season, managing to hit double digit points in just two out of seven games so far. Archers are the kings of the league, sitting at a cushy 6-1 record and the inside track on a first-round bye. Also, Archers are coming off an electric overtime win against Atlas this past week at Homewood field. This has the makings of a classic trap game, so buyer beware. That said, I can’t pick Chrome for anything positive in good faith this year.
Prediction: Archers ML & -2.5, Under 22.5
Game 3: Atlas & Waterdogs
A rematch of an incredible 19-18 Waterdogs win in week three during the league’s stop in Charlotte, this game is shaping up to be a dogfight (pun intended once again) from start to finish. Atlas picked up a new toy in Myles Jones via trade with Redwoods this past week. Waterdogs are (maybe) getting Dilan Ward back from paternity leave as well. If last week showed us anything, it’s that the dogs strategy to concede faceoffs works out a lot better for them compared to winning them. They play stout defense, and having a full shot clock off a change of possession works out much better for their play style. That said, Atlas put up a hell of a fight last week, taking Archers down to the wire in overtime. The dogs haven’t won since the all-star break, which puts both teams in an awkward position of desperation. This is a great matchup to have on a national broadcast.
Prediction: Atlas ML, Over 25.5
Game 4: Redwoods & Cannons
Another rematch from two weeks ago, these teams are trending in completely different directions. Redwoods have lost four of their last five matchups and are without a clear offensive identity. Cannons on the other hand, have a clear and cohesive identity on both sides of the ball with Colin Kirst really coming into his own between the pipes. Redwoods did pickup Romar Dennis in their trade with Atlas, and that should help them have more of an outside threat. However, when in doubt, keep it simple and don’t overthink the room.
Prediction: Cannons ML, Over 24.5
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