Previewing the Maine Black Bears.

With all of the hype about tonight's FSU BC game, I don't know if people know that there is another big sporting event at BC this weekend. #20 Maine is coming to town fresh off a sweep vs a Providence team that was hot at the time. Maine is good, and will be a tough test for BC. In my opinion, this is BC's first big Hockey East test. Like BC, Maine went out to North Dakota to take on the Sioux, but unlike the Eagles, the Black Bears fell to the Sioux 3-1 and also managed a tie in the second game. Maine has two very good forwards up front, the "dynamic duo" of Spencer Abbot and Matt Flynn has been leading the Bears this season as they are number one and two in points. I really hope the crowd is good for this game because BC needs it. This is BC's second biggest home game of the year (You know what the biggest one is) vs a formidable rival in the Black Bears. Maine is one of college hockey's best programs and I hope that the fans will come out and show support in this HUGE league contest.

Players to watch out for- Spencer Abbot (3 G, 5 A), Matt Flynn (3 G, 6 A), and Joey Diamond (3 G, 3 A). These three players make up a very dangerous first line for Maine that is definitely one of the best in the league.

Keys for the Eagles- 

1. Feed off the crowd. Maine is going to come out flying. They don't just want to win, they want to make a statement. BC needs to feed off the loud and energetic crowd to get off to a good start.

2. BC Needs good goaltending. Maine is a team with speed, kind of like BC. Maine is going to generate shots on Parker Milner. He and the defense need to weather the storm in the early going.

3. Stay out of the box. I know I say this a lot, but Maine's power play can be dangerous with all those weapons they have.

4. This is not Lowell. If BC plays the way it did at the end of last weekend vs Lowell, they will not win. Maine is faster, tougher, more skilled, and has better goaltending then Lowell. BC needs to be on the top of it's game in order to win.

Last time out- Maine beat BC 4-1 in the Alfond on 1/16/11. BC has not lost at home to Maine since October of 2005.

Prediction- Close but no cigar for the Black Bears. 5-3 Eagles.

Notes- BC vs NU at Fenway Park WILL NOT be televised by NESN so get your tickets.

Typical BU- BU players Matt Nicastro and Kevin Gilroy have been suspended for a game because of cutting classes. Way to go Terriers !