Previewing the Maine Black Bears.

For the seventh time in tournament history, the Boston College Eagles will faceoff versus the Maine Black Bears for a chance to claim a Lamoriello trophy. The Eagles finished off Providence's cinderella run earlier yesterday afternoon with a 4-2 victory and the Black Bears finished off Parker and the Terriers to earn a spot in the championship later in the night. The Black Bears won the season series 2-1 vs BC with both of their wins coming in the hostile confines of Alfond Arena back in late January (That was the last game BC lost). There is however one big problem for Maine heading into this game. Their star forward and Hobey Baker candidate Spencer Abbott left Friday's game with a concussion late in the second period (he did not return). Abbott was the receiver of a vicious elbow to the head by BU defenseman Sean Escobedo and he then fell into the boards very awkwardly. Even with Abbott being out, the Black Bears still have some serious weapons like Brian Flynn, Joey Diamond, Will O'Neil and Matt Mangene. O'Neil and Diamond each recorded two goals last night for Maine. With the two goals, Joey Diamond now has the most goals in Hockey East with twenty five. Yes, this will be a great game with or without Abbott but there is one thing the Eagles MUST do in order to win tonight. Stay out of the box. Every Black Bear goal last night came on a power play and when the teams last met in Orono, the Eagles gave up a combined four power play goals over the course of those two games @ Maine. The interesting thing here is that without Abbott, the Maine power play could be a little bit out of sync. You see, Abbott runs the show for the Black Bears on the power play, on the penalty kill, and on even strength. I wouldn't be the least bit shocked to see Maine's power play struggle tonight IF Abbott is indeed out.

In terms of how the Eagles are looking for the NCAA tournament, they have clinched two very important things. The first thing they have clinched is they are a lock for the #1 overall seed no matter what happens tonight. Being the number one overall seed means that BC will most likely play the winner of RIT vs Air Force (AHA championship game) in the first round of the NCAA's. The other important item BC has clinched is that the Eagles will be playing in Worcester. Last season, I think a big part in losing to Colorado College was due to the fact that we were so far away from home. I think the Eagles will play much better closer to home with their home fans cheering them on come next weekend. It is certainly always a fantastic game when BC and Maine meet under any kind of circumstance but tonight should be a physical, high tempo, high scoring, and most importantly, a fun hockey game to watch. Tune into @bchockeyblog1 for twitter updates throughout the game tonight.

Keys for the Eagles 

1. STAY OUT OF THE BOX. This is by far the biggest key of all for BC because Maine's power play is as good as I have ever seen. Even without Abbott, they are very dangerous.

2. Goaltending- Unlike Providence, Maine is going to create a lot of chances on Parker Milner and the BC defense. If Parker can stand tall and not give up any soft goals, look for an Eagle victory.

3. Matching up with Maine's first line. The staff will match Almeida-Arnold-Whitney versus Maine's big line with Flynn and Diamond ( I Don't know who will replace Abbott). Those guys need to step up and have a big game for the Eagles.

Players to Watch 

1. Brian Flynn. I was as shocked as anyone that he was not a candidate for Hockey East player of the year. Flynn is third on the Black Bears with 46 points.

2. Joey Diamond- Diamond had two goals last night vs BU and also leads the Black Bears in goals with 25 this season.

3. Matt Mangene- I think this kid is a really good hockey player. He has some serious speed that you don't normally see out of a bigger guy like him. He can be dangerous with the puck and on the PP

All Time Series- BC is 58-42-9 all time vs Maine. BC is 7-5 all time vs Maine in the Hockey East tournament and holds a 4-2 lead in championship games between the two.

Last Time Out- Maine defeated BC 7-4 on 1/21/12 @ Alfond Arena.

Prediction- If Abbott is indeed out, it is a huge loss for Maine. BC 4-3. 

: "Maine Black Bears Hockey: A Preview of the Season Ahead"

Introduction

As the cold winds of winter descend upon the northern states, hockey fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling season of college hockey. In this article, we'll delve into the world of the Maine Black Bears, exploring their rich hockey history, the players to watch this season, and what lies ahead on their journey to success. We'll also address some frequently asked questions about the team and its prospects.

Section 1: A Legacy of Hockey Excellence

Historical Overview: An introduction to the Maine Black Bears' storied history in collegiate hockey, including past championships and notable alumni.

Coaching Staff: A look at the coaching staff's role in shaping the team's identity and prospects for the season.

Section 2: Players to Watch

Returning Stars: Highlighting key returning players who are expected to lead the charge on the ice.

Fresh Faces: Introducing promising newcomers and their potential impact on the team.

Section 3: A Glimpse of the Schedule

Key Matchups: Analyzing crucial games on the Black Bears' schedule and their significance in the pursuit of success.

Tournament Aspirations: Discussing the team's ambitions for conference and national tournaments.

Section 4: Style of Play and Tactics

Offensive Strategy: Exploring the team's offensive approach, including power plays, breakouts, and goal-scoring prospects.

Defensive Prowess: Examining the defensive strategies and goaltending that can make or break a season.

Section 5: FAQ - Maine Black Bears Hockey

Answering frequently asked questions about the Maine Black Bears and their upcoming season:

What are the team's recent accomplishments and challenges?

A recap of recent seasons and the hurdles faced.

Who are the most promising prospects for the NHL from the Black Bears roster?

Identifying players with NHL potential and their development paths.

What traditions and fan experiences make attending a Black Bears game special?

A glimpse into the unique aspects of Maine's hockey culture.

Section 6: The Road Ahead

Season Expectations: Setting realistic expectations for the upcoming season and the team's potential for success.

Fan Engagement: How fans can support and connect with the Maine Black Bears throughout the season.

Conclusion

The Maine Black Bears enter each season with determination, aiming to add to their storied hockey legacy. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, they look ahead to a season filled with promise, hoping to capture the hearts of fans and make a strong impact in the collegiate hockey landscape. As the puck drops and the crowd roars, the Maine Black Bears are ready to showcase their skill, passion, and dedication to the game they love. It's a journey that promises excitement, and hockey enthusiasts can't wait to be a part of it.

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