Maine vs. Northeastern

Time, site: Friday, 7 p.m., Matthews Arena, Boston

Records: Maine 6-1-1 (1-0 in Hockey East); Northeastern 2-5-2 (1-3-1)

Series, last meeting: NU leads 33-32-13; 2-2 on Jan. 12

Key players: Maine – C Marty Kariya (2 & 8), C Robert Liscak (2 & 8), RW Colin Shields (8 & 1), LW Chris Heisten (7 & 2), D Troy Barnes (2 & 5), D Francis Nault (1 & 5), G Jim Howard (4-1, 0.83 goals-against average, .959 save percentage); Northeastern – C Jason Guerriero (3 & 10), LW Mike Ryan (8 & 4), RW Mike Morris (4 & 7), C Eric Ortlip (3 & 4), RW Scott Selig (1 & 6),D Tim Judy (2 & 3), G Keni Gibson (1-2-2, 3.55, .904)

Outlook: Matthews Arena, formerly Boston Arena, hasn’t been kind to the Bears as the Huskies own an 18-7-5 record against Maine at Matthews. Maine will have to contain the line of Guerreiro between second- round draft choice Ryan (Dallas) and first-round pick Morris (San Jose). Ryan was the league’s player of the week last week and UM’s Howard was the rookie of the week after posting his third straight shutout. Northeastern is coming off a split with previously undefeated Providence. The Bears will have to adjust to the wide ice sheet. NU will clog up the middle of the ice and make it difficult for Maine to generate speed and transition opportunities. The Bears will have to finish their chances. Four of NU’s losses have been by two goals or less. LW Derek Damon will return to the Maine lineup after missing the 1-0 win over UMass with a sprained ankle.