Maine vs. Boston University

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

Records: Maine 3-3-1 overall (1-0 Hockey East); BU 4-0-1 (2-0-1)

Series, last meeting: BU leads 34-32-6; Maine 4-1 on Jan. 13

Key players: Maine – RW Colin Shields (7 goals, 1 assist), C Tommy Reimann (3 & 5), LW Todd Jackson (2 & 5), D Peter Metcalf (1 & 6), C Martin Kariya (2 & 4), G Matt Yeats (1-3, 3.48 goals-against average, .857 save percentage), G Mike Morrison (2-0-1, 2.23, .932); Boston University – RW Frantisek Skladany (4 & 2), LW Mike Pandolfo (3 & 3), C Gregg Johnson (0 & 6), D Chris Dyment (4 & 1), RW John Sabo (1 & 4), D Freddy Meyer (0 & 2), G Sean Fields (4-0-1, 2.36, .912)

Outlook: BU is off to its best start since it went 5-0 to open the 1991-92 season. Maine is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings between the two at Alfond Arena. The sophomore line of Johnson between LW Ken Magowan and RW Skladany has combined for five goals and 12 assists. Maine will be bolstered by the return of center Michael Schutte (butt-ending major vs. Western Michigan) and defenseman Francis Nault (knee). The Terriers, ranked fifth in the nation in both major polls, have averaged 41.8 shots on goal per game including 10 or more in 13 of 15 periods. Their forwards are fast, skillful and aggressive and will create problems for Maine’s young defense. Maine’s forwards will have to play well defensively to help out the defense.