Lets briefly recap Week 7, (where I finally picked well (5-2). I mean I had to pick well once this year). Seattle solidified their stranglehold on 1st place in the West Division with a hard fought win over Miami, while both New Jersey and Boston improved their record to 6-1 as they continue their dominance in the East. Arizona, San Francisco, and Miami are all tied for 2nd in the West, with a record of 4-3. All teams in the East except Carolina are in playoff contention in the East, with only 1 match win separating 3rd from 5th place. The results this week should clarify or confuse the division.
New Jersey Knockouts vs Boston Blitz
With firstp lace on the line in the East, except a very competitive match. No GM Joel for NJ, and no GM Larry for Boston. The GM match-up of Boris Gulko and Eugene Perelshteyn should be a dandy – as both are undefeated in USCL play this year. Boston seems a little stronger on the other boards and that should provide an edge. NJ has been impressive this season, so we will see if that difference matters. I think Eugene will hold Gulko to a draw and therefore the edge switches to Boston, and therefore Boston wins. 2.5-1.5.
Dallas Destiny vs Miami Sharks
Miami has a slight rating advantage, and because of Dallas’s late substitution on board 4, Miami has the edge on most of the boards. For Dallas to be successful, they need IM John Bartholomew to hold at least a draw and perhaps have IM Daniel Ludwig exact some revenge from his previous loss to IM Bruci Lopez. Despite the advantages for Miami, somehow I think Dallas and Miami battle to a tie, 2-2.
Chicago Blaze vs Arizona Scorpions
Go Scorpions! Arizona wins.
New York Knights vs Carolina Cobras
Rating advantage on 3 boards + Need to win to keep hold of 3rd place = Win for NY Knights, though it will be closer than people think, NY 2.5-1.5
Philadelphia Inventors vs Baltimore Kingfishers
Philly better make their move soon if they are gonna make the playoffs, like my beloved Phillies. This match is a total toss-up. Philly seems a little stronger, though Baltimore is very close to making the playoffs if they can find a way to win. This should be an exciting match – I predict a draw, that way no one is happy.
San Francisco Mechanics vs Queens Pioneers
Queens needs this badly or their playoff hopes are over. San Francisco needs it as well to keep pace in the West. SF wins a close one, 2.5-1.5.
Tennessee Tempo vs Seattle Sluggers
It is so difficult to pick against Seattle when Nakamura is playing, no matter who the opponent. TN chose not to use either of their GM’s, its hard to pick anything but a Seattle win. TN has to hope for production on boards 3 and 4, and a draw on boards 1 or 2. TN will put up a valiant effort, in the end, you cant get around the NAKA factor. Seattle wins 3-1.
Last Week 5-2!
If Ehlvest is playing first board for Tennessee, I predict that Nakamura will suffer his first loss of the season. Ehlvest has been through many tough matches and won’t buckle under the pressure.
Just saw that Ehlvest isn’t playing on Wednesday … Nakamura scores again!