MAINE vs. PROVIDENCE

Time, site: Sunday, 2 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 1-2, Providence 0-0

Series, last meeting: PC leads 21-1-6, PC 3-2 (OT) on 01/21/07

Key players: Maine – F Jordan Colliton (1 goal, 2 assists), F Lexie Hoffmeyer (1 & 1), F Jenna Ouellette (1 & 1), F Vanessa Vani (1 & 1), F Robyn Law (1 & 0), D Kim Meagher (0 & 0), G Genevieve Turgeon (1-1, 3.02 GAA, .936 save pct.); Providence (last year’s stats) – F Mari Pehkonen (18 & 11), F Sarah Feldman (10 & 19), F-D Erin Normore (7 & 14), F Jenna Keilch (8 & 7), D Kathleen Smith (3 & 10), F Katy Beach (5 & 6), G Danielle Ciarletta (5-5-3, 2.41, .912)

Outlook: Providence graduated its top two forwards but has 15 of its next 16 scorers back off last year’s 16-16-4 team. The Friars are 4-1 in Hockey East openers. The Friars and Black Bears played three overtime games a year ago with two ending in 1-1 ties and Providence winning the other 3-2. Turgeon was the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week after making 62 saves on Oct. 5 in a 4-0 loss to Mercyhurst, the nation’s No. 2-ranked team. Maine will need another stellar performance from Turgeon against the Friars. The Black Bears should benefit from having played Mercyhurst twice (5-0 loss on Saturday night). Maine has to play well in the defensive zone and should be able to generate some chances of its own with its speed and crafty forwards.