What: Hockey East AssociationWhen: 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.
