Midweek Column-Time to go Black Bear hunting

Alfond Arena, the most famous college hockey rink in the country. 

After a up and down week vs UMass and Northeastern a week ago, BC looks to play some great hockey vs rival Maine this week up at Alfond Arena. The Alfond is a tough environment for anyone to play in let alone the #3 team in the country that has had their fare share of struggles in this place. Chris Venti, who I believe will get another go after his great game @ Fenway, needs to be ready for the biggest challenge he will face all year. I am not just talking about facing Abbott and Flynn, i'm talking about handling this crowd ! There is no crazier group of knuckleheads in the country that like getting on opposing goalies more than the Black Bear faithful. I know BC beat Maine 5-1 earlier this year but both team have really changed since then and that game was @ Conte, these games are @ Alfond Arena. I have been thinking about it, there is really one big key for BC this week. Penalties. Maine has by far and away the best PP in Hockey East and maybe the country as they are loaded with guys like Spencer Abbott, Matt Flynn, and Joey Diamond. If BC gets penalties, I guarantee they will lose because that's how the Black Bears beat you. Lets take a look at some key stats heading into the weekend

STATS 

1. BC is 58-40-9 all time vs Maine and are 7-1-1 in the last nine vs the Black Bears. Maine was able to win the last meeting @ Alfond Arena by a score of 4-1 on 1/16/11.

2. Maine's PP has a PP goal in each of the last 13 games and rank second in the nation with a 28% conversion rate.

3. In the last 20 games between BC and Maine @ The Alfond, BC is just 8-9-3 vs the Black Bears.

4. Spencer Abbott leads all Black Bears 35 points on the year while Joey Diamond leads the team with 15 goals.

5. Maine has tallied 69 goals on the year which is second most in the league behind BC (73)

6. Dan Sullivan ranks 7th in the league was 2.93 GAA and eight in the league in save percentage with a .895 average.


Well there is a quick look at the Black Bears. We will have a full preview on the blog tomorrow