Men’s Hockey

MAINE vs. UMASS LOWELL

Time, site: Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m.; Tsongas Arena, Lowell, Mass.

Records: Maine 23-6-3 (14-4-2 Hockey East); UML 8-20-6 (5-11-4)

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 51-21-3; Maine 4-0 on 11/16/03

Key players: Maine – RW Colin Shields (14 goals, 21 assists), C Michel Leveille (5 & 28), LW Todd Jackson (16 & 9), C Derek Damon (10 & 14), RW Dustin Penner (8 & 10), D Prestin Ryan (3 & 14), G Frank Howard (16-3-0, 1.71 goals-against ave., .927 save pct.), G Jimmy Howard (7-3-3, 1.36 GAA, .946 save pct.); UML – F Elias Godoy (17 & 20), F Ben Walter (17 & 16), F Andrew Martin (7 & 21), D Cleve Kinley (4 & 9), D Jerramie Domish (1 & 7), G Chris Davidson (8-9-5, 2.72 GAA, .900 save pct.), G John Yaros (3-4-1, 2.76 GAA, .907 save pct.)

Outlook: The Bears invade Lowell looking to clinch the No. 2 seed for the HE tournament. Maine’s top-ranked defense will try to contain the River Hawks’ potent trio of Godoy, Walter and Martin while generating some offense itself. Howard leads the country in save percentage and GAA. UMass Lowell is 1-3-3 in its last seven games but is only three points out of fifth place. The River Hawks were hurt after forfeiting five games, including three league contests, because of an ineligible player. Maine, one of the most penalized teams in the country, must stay out of the box against a UML team that scores on 20 percent of its power plays.

Women’s Hockey

MAINE vs. BOSTON COLLEGE

Time, site: Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, noon; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: 9-14-4 (6-8-2 Hockey East); Boston College 5-17-3 (0-13-1)

Key players: Maine – Meagan Aarts (11 goals, 9 assists), Karen Droog (8 & 8), Tristan Desmet (8 & 7), Morgan Janusc (1 & 11), Cheryl White (2 & 9), G Lara Smart (7-14-4, 2.60 goals-against ave., .916 save pct.); Boston College – Sarah Courtney (8 & 8), Kerri Sanders (9 & 4), Michelle Lombardi (4 & 6), Alaina Clark (3 & 6), G Lisa Davis (3-14-3, 3.38 GAA, .901 save pct.)

Outlook: The Black Bears are hoping to solidify their playoff standing with a sweep of the Eagles. UMaine sits in fourth place, three points out of third place and three points ahead of No. 5 Connecticut. The Bears snapped a six-game winless string (0-5-1) last Saturday with a win over Northeastern. And UMaine posted six goals, which could bode well for its stretch run. Boston College is firmly entrenched in the HE cellar. The Eagles are the league’s least-potent offense and most forgiving defense.