Hello Everyone! Miami Alum here. Looking forward to the weekend and the start of a growing rivalry.
Miami's top 3 lines are speedy and very deep. Gave up size the past couple of years to get faster throughout line up. I suspect this was done to prepare for the new conference and crack down in officiating. Forecheck is as aggressive I've seen. Our chippiest and most physical line would be Murphy-Coleman- Mullin. But beware, they have the goods as well. The team feeds off of their intensity. Goaltenders are very good and bail out the D quite often. Defense is where Miami can be "had". Young players and still making rookie mistakes. Lacking size as well. If ND can get the puck deep and "cycle" / battle down low they will create opportunities and should have an advantage.
Miami will score in bunches, but in saying that, have been giving up bunches at a time as well (and is a problem Miami has had throughout the years....see National Championship game couple years back). However, getting the puck deep with possession will be a test since Miami is fantastic at forechecking and neutral zone play/defense. Last weekend Ohio state could only dump and chase at best and were made to take perimeter shots hoping for rebounds. However, when they did succeed a couple times to gain possession deep, they created and capitalized.
ND will have to be aware of the transition speed of Miami and vice versa. Lastly, Miami seems to have to focus on special teams play during the week more than the past. PP and PK are practiced daily. I would guess that the team who wins the special teams play, will win the games this weekend. Both teams believe that they can score anytime and from anywhere. Overall, I think the games will be a great test for both squads. I wouldn't be surprised with any outcome.
Cheers
