Who wins between UND and Miami

A Hypothetical

I saw tis over on Brad Schlossman's Hockey blog. It does prove to be a great discussion that was posted over on CSTV.COM. This is really the issue with teams that start out fast out of the gates and the polls eat it up. Don't get me wrong, this article does bring up a very interesting discussion who wins between Miami and UND? It does matter what time of year it is played as well. Feasting on horrible teams to pad your record really doesn't do you any justice when you have to play the tough teams to win titles in March and April. Let me help you out. Polls schmolls.

tim (cleveland): Miami vs North Dakota at a neutral site. Who do you think comes out the winner and by how much? Thanks.

Ken Schott: What month? Now or April?

Dave Starman: I'd take NoDak - 1.5.

Elliot Olshansky: With or without Nathan Davis? Is this the real Jean-Philippe Lamoureux? So many questions I'd have.

Ken Schott: I think I would take ND right now, but if Davis can regain his scoring touch when he comes back, I may change my mind.

Antoine Pitts: I'd have to take North Dakota. It's still hard to believe that with all of that talent up there, North Dakota hasn't won the national title recently.

Ken Schott: I can't wait to see Miami when they come to RPI for two games in December.

Dave Starman: Lamoureux is pretty darn good.

Ken Schott: He can stop pucks in fog just as well on clear ice.

Dave Starman: They have a first unit that rivals Minnesota's two years ago, every one on the unit can score, they can all one-time it, and they are as mobile as an air battalion.

Antoine Pitts: I'm saying 5-2 North Dakota.

Elliot Olshansky: I'm saying one-goal instant classic. I like both of these teams. A lot. Hard-working, skilled, well-coached, great individual players like Davis, Jones, Oshie and Duncan, guys who play both ways...I really hope we get this game in March or April.

Ken Schott: 3-2 ND in four overtimes.

Dave Starman: Bina is a general out there, Miami doesn't have a 1-2 on defense that rivals Chorney and Bina, no disrespect to their players. Oshie is a game breaker, Duncan is great. They have grit, and they'll beat the hell out of you in the process because no one finishes hits like these guys....they remind me of the Calgary Flames in the late 80's early 90's...they just beat people up.

Elliot Olshansky: I don't know Dave, I think Ryan Jones, just for starters, can give some of the Sioux a run for their money in the finishing hits department.

Dave Starman: Yes, but how about the other 17 skaters? No one hits 1-18 like the Sioux do except maybe Wisconsin, and that's not really Wisco's identity yet this season.

Elliot Olshansky: Haven't seen the RedHawks. I'll see them when Ken does. I want to see this big kid, Vaive.

Ken Schott: If we're talking finishing hits, RPI could be a team no one once to play. They have some defensemen that can pound you. Peter Merth crushes people.

Dave Starman: I totally agree with Ken...RPI can bang. I like the way they play. Give them a full season to find their identity and they'll be a tough out in March. Real good goaltending!

It is obvious that Dave Starman is a bigger fan of the Sioux than Elliot Olshansky is and he does bring up some legitimate quesions about Phil Lamoureux who has 4 shout outs in 5 games. Horrible goalies don't put up numbers like that.

Next; sure Miami is 6-0 and ranked first but who the hell have they played that strikes fear in you... They beat UNO, Vermont and Ohio State, not much of a schedule if you ask me. In fact Miami schedule is stacked with patsy teams and they only play 2 game with MSU, 2 games with Michigan and 2 with Notre Dame, I wouldn't be surprised to see Miami highly ranked through most of the season only to get bounced again in the first round.

Fri 10/12/2007 W 2 Vermont (nc) 1
Sat 10/13/2007 W 4 Vermont (nc) 1
Fri 10/19/2007 W 5 @ Ohio State 1
Sun 10/21/2007 W 5 Ohio State 1
Fri 10/26/2007 W 7 Nebraska-Omaha 2
Sat 10/27/2007 W 5 Nebraska-Omaha 2