MAINE vs. PROVIDENCE

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

Records: Maine 14-8 (7-6 Hockey East); Providence 12-8-1 (9-4-1 HE)

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 52-32-4; PC 4-2 on 12/2/05

Key players: Maine – RW Greg Moore (15 goals, 5 assists), LW Josh Soares (8 & 12), C Derek Damon (8 & 11), LW Billy Ryan (4 & 12), C Keenan Hopson (3 & 13), D Mike Lundin (1 & 10), G Matt Lundin (6-3, 1.26 goals-against average, .949 save percentage); Providence – LW Torry Gajda (12 & 13), C Chase Watson (3 & 20), RW Jon Rheault (8 & 12), RW Colin McDonald (7 & 11), D Cody Wild (4 & 8), D James Pemberton (6 & 4), G Tyler Sims (12-7-1, 2.22, .924)

Outlook: Maine is 25-1-2 in its last 28 meetings with the Friars in Orono but PC has a win and a tie in the last four meetings. Both teams have lost their last two games due primarily to occasional sloppy defensive play. The Friars are enjoying their new offensive freedom implemented by first-year coach Tim Army. Like Maine, the Friars have fast, hard-working forwards and good balance. PC’s defense corps has scored 14 goals compared to Maine’s five, three by the sidelined Bret Tyler (ankle). This series will be determined by the defensive zone play of the defensemen and goaltending. Maine has gone 11-for-37 on the power play in its last five games.