MAINE vs. MASSACHUSETTS

Time, site: Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 15-4-1 (7-2-1 Hockey East); UMass 10-6-5 (6-4-2 HE)

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 28-5-3, 1-1 tie on 11/21/03

Key players: Maine – RW Colin Shields (10 goals, 10 assists), C Michel Leveille (1 & 19), C Derek Damon (7 & 9), D Prestin Ryan (3 & 9), D Troy Barnes (2 & 9), G Frank Doyle (10-3, 1.65 goals-against average, .926 save percentage); G Jimmy Howard (5-1-1, 1.69, .932); UMass – D Thomas Pock (12 & 16), LW Greg Mauldin (5 & 10), D Marvin Degon (4 & 11), LW Chris Capraro (3 & 12), RW Stephen Werner (4 & 9), C Mike Warner (3 & 3), G Gabe Winer (10-5-5, 2.49, .886)

Outlook: Maine will be bolstered by the return of Howard (knee injury), C Ben Murphy (shoulder) and RW Moore (World Junior Championships) while the Minutemen will probably regain the services of Capraro (academic issues). Mauldin is listed as doubtful due to a concussion. Maine is anxious to avenge last year’s first-ever Hockey East playoff home losses but the Bears can’t lose their focus. UMass has scored only 18 goals in its last nine games and four in their last four league games. Werner’s return from the World Juniors keyed their 2-1 win over Boston University nine days ago. UMass is quick and very good in transition so Maine will have to avoid neutral-zone turnovers. The Bears must also continue playing the body. Pock is a potential Hobey Baker Award finalist so Maine must be wary of him jumping into the play.