College hockey

MAINE vs. BOSTON COLLEGE

Time, site: Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 17-1-5 (7-0-5 Hockey East); BC 5-12-2 (4-6-2)

Key players: Maine – C Tim Lovell (11 goals, 14 assists), D Jeff Tory (4-18), C Dan Shermerhorn (14-8), D Chris Imes (3-17), C Brad Purdie (12-8), LW Shawn Wansborough (7-12), G Blair Allison (17-1-5, 2.76 goals-against ave., .882 save pct.); Boston College – F Ryan Haggerty (12-13), F David Hymovitz (12-11), F Jamie O’Leary (5-14), D Tom Ashe (3-11), G Greg Taylor (5-10-2, 3.86, .872)

Outlook: Maine returns to action after an 11-day hiatus, which included the NCAA mandatory week off. Despite the Dec. 23 loss to Princeton, Maine remains the No. 1 team in the nation. The layoff could prove beneficial as Imes and sophomore winger Jamie Thompson are recovering from nagging knee injuries and the team is rested. The Eagles have lost five of seven, including one to previously winless UMass-Amherst on Saturday. A close game is expected as nine of the Bears’ 13 league games have been decided by one goal or less, including six overtime contests. Maine has allowed a combined three third-period shots in the last two games. BC ranks near the bottom of Hockey East in most categories. It leads the all-time series 27-18-2. In November, the teams played to a 4-4 tie, with Maine winning its only shootout of the season, then the Bears came back for a 3-1 win in Chestnut Hill in the second game.