Men’s college hockey
MAINE vs. PRINCETON
Time, site: Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono
Records: Maine 2-8-3, Princeton 2-6
Series, last meeting: tied 5-5, Princeton 3-1 on Oct. 31
Key players: Maine — C Will Merchant (4 goals, 2 assists), C Cam Brown (2 & 4), LW Blaine Byron (2 & 4), D Dan Renouf (2 & 4), RW Steven Swavely (1 & 2), G Matt Morris (2-2-1, 2.55 goals-against average, .932 save percentage), G Rob McGovern (0-6-2, 2.45, .922); Princeton— RW David Hallisey (0 & 4), LW Eric Robinson (3 & 0), C Max Veronneau (3 & 0), C Ben Foster (2 & 1), LW Kyle Rankin (2 & 0), D Joe Grabowski (1 & 1), G Colton Phinney (2-6, 2.20, .943)
Game notes: Both teams are coming off productive weekends. Maine snapped an eight-game losing streak and finally dented the win column with 3-2 and 4-1 wins over Vermont while the Tigers upset Clarkson on Saturday 3-0 behind Phinney’s 31 saves. These teams are ranked 58th and 59th among 60 teams in the country in goal production as Princeton has averaged 1.75 goals per game while Maine has scored 1.38. But Maine gained some confidence last weekend against Vermont. Princeton has the nation’s top penalty-killing unit, operating at 95.8 percent efficiency. Phinney has the nation’s seventh best save percentage (.943). He made 38 saves in the victory over Maine in the Capital City Classic consolation game. Maine’s Merchant and Princeton center Michael Zajac are close friends and were longtime linemates at Eagan High School (Minnesota). Maine has to finish its checks, sustain its forecheck and make life difficult for Phinney by attacking the net and screening him.