Men’s hockey

MAINE vs. BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Time, site: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 7 p.m.; Agganis Arena, Boston

Records: Maine 8-15-3 (4-12-3 Hockey East); BU 10-14-4 (8-8-3 HE)

Series, last meeting: BU leads 46-42-10, BU 3-1 on 1/12/08

Key players: Maine – D Bret Tyler (6 goals, 11 assists), C Wes Clark (6 & 10), RW Rob Bellamy (4 & 10), LW Andrew Sweetland (6 & 5), C Jeff Marshall (4 & 6), D Simon Danis-Pepin (4 & 5), G Ben Bishop (8-15-3, 2.73 GAA, .911 save pct.); BU – LW Peter MacArthur (12 & 20), RW Bryan Ewing (14 & 17), C Colin Wilson (11 & 18), C Chris Higgins (8 & 12), D Matt Gilroy (6 & 12), D Kevin Shattenkirk (4 & 13), G Brett Bennett (8-8-3, 3.09, .873)

Outlook: BU is 6-0-1 in its last seven meetings with the Bears. The Terriers have won three of four overall while Maine is 0-5-1 in its last six with five consecutive losses. The Bears have to find a way to keep it close and make it a one-period game. BU has as talented a group of forwards as there is in Hockey East. Maine will have to play squeaky clean in the defensive zone and not turn the puck over. BU will generate significant offensive zone pressure, but Maine has to keep the Terriers on the perimeter. The Bears must capitalize on their chances and do a better job hitting the net. Bennett has been inconsistent, but the Bears put just 16 shots on him Jan. 12. BU has the nation’s 10th best power play (21 percent). Maine is 8-2-2 when it scores at least three goals. Maine LW Billy Ryan (hip) is out, LW Sweetland (back) is doubtful and RW Lem Randall (knee bruise) is questionable.