Bishop seeks to regain old form Maine battles Terriers tonight

Ben Bishop led the University of Maine Black Bears to Frozen Four appearances in his first two seasons.

He was 42-17-4 with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage including a 4-0 record in the NCAA Regionals with a 1.75 GAA and a .947 save percentage.

But, like the rest of his teammates, the 6-foot-7 St. Louis Blues third-round draft choice has been inconsistent this season.

Bishop is hoping Sunday’s 18-save, 4-2 win over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Portland can be the catalyst to a second-half turnaround.

However, he and his mates will be seriously challenged Saturday night when the high-powered Boston University Terriers visit Alfond Arena. BU is just 5-10-3 but is averaging four goals per game over its last 13.

Maine is 7-9-3.

Bishop acknowledges that he has struggled at times this season.

“In some games, I’ve tried to do too much. I did things I wouldn’t normally do to try to help the team out,” said Bishop. “I felt if I gave up a goal, it might cost us the game.

“I have to play like I did against RPI,” added Bishop, who had allowed eight goals on just 28 shots in his two appearances before the RPI game.

Maine coach Tim Whitehead said Bishop needs to “simplify his game like he did against RPI in regards to playing the puck and stopping the puck. He needs to use his size to his advantage by minimizing his movement. That’s when he can use his great athleticism to make second and third saves.

“He is at his best when he maintains his composure and poise,” added Whitehead.

The Maine coach also stressed that his teammates will have to play well in front of him like they did against RPI.

“In the [UMass] Lowell and Northeastern games, we didn’t give him an opportunity to succeed. Having said that, Ben can play at a higher level and I’m confident he will,” said Whitehead.

Bishop is 7-8-2 with a 2.63 GAA and a .907 save percentage this season.

“I’ve never lost more than 10 games in a season,” said Bishop who intends to do everything he can to avoid it.

He hasn’t lost his confidence and his teammates are confident in him.

“I feel fine,” said Bishop, who will be looking for his 50th career win.

“He kept us in games early in the season. We’ve got to help him out more,” said senior defenseman and captain Travis Ramsey.

BU has had its own problems in goal, sporting a league-worst save percentage of .856.

But the Terriers lead Hockey East with 3.83 goals scored per league game.

BU coach Jack Parker said Saturday’s matchup features two teams “that are in the same boat.

“Both teams are struggling for wins and trying to gain some self-worth. So this game means more than games [between us] in the past,” said Parker.

He said his team has played better on the road but has been inconsistent and lacked tenacity at times, especially in the defensive zone.

“We’ve hung our goalies out to dry a lot,” said Parker who isn’t sure how Saturday’s game will play out.

“I don’t know what to expect,” added Parker, who has regained the services of center Colin Wilson and defenseman Brian Strait from the World Junior Championships.

lmahoney@bangordailynews.net

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