11.24.2007

Game of the Week (11/22): Vermont at Maine


What: Hockey East Association
When: 2 p.m., Sunday
Where: Alfond Arena, Orono

MAINE (4-6-1, 2-4-1 HEA): The Black Bears have lost 4 in a row, are winless in their last 5 overall and find themselves sitting dead last in the conference for the first time in as long as anyone can remember. The good news? Maine is 7-2-1 in its last 10 games against Vermont. Bret Tyler (3-4--7) and Wes Clark (2-5--7) each lead the Black Bears with 7 points on the season, while Keenan Hopson has 6 career points against the Catamounts, including 3 goals.

VERMONT (3-5-1, 3-2-1 HEA): Winners over UMass by a 4-2 count on Tuesday night, the Catamounts are 6th in the league in the early going. Dean Strong leads the team in scoring with 2-6--8 totals, while longtime standout goaltender Joe Fallon has played every game for Vermong, posting a 3.05 goals against average and an even .900 save percentage.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Despite the program's strong numbers in its last 10 meetings against Vermont, Maine goalie Ben Bishop hasn't fared particularly well. He's just 1-2-1 in his career against the Catamounts despite a 2.22 GAA and .927 save percentage. Still, Maine's senior class has lost only 2 of 7 meetings with Vermont. Given that both teams are far from peaking right now, expect the home cooking to play well with Maine, which will get itself back on track.

No comments: