Each week I write a preview of all the Hockey East games for US College Hockey Online. Here is my preview of Maine's upcoming series. You can check out the preview of all the games by going to the "News and Articles" section at: http://www.uscollegehockey.com University of Alabama-Huntsville (1-0-0) at Maine (2-1-0) Friday, and Saturday 7 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono, ME The Black Bears needed three third-period goals to catch Colgate 4-3 last week. Coach Greg Cronin found fault with two specific aspects of his team's play. "They bottled us up at times in our own zone. We've got to get better at moving it out of there. "And our special teams was an abortion." The Black Bears gave up three power-play goals in only four Red Raider opportunities, while they could only ring up a single man-advantage tally themselves in six chances. Although most fans instinctively write off a Division II opponent, Cronin does not share their casual dismissal. "I hate these type of games. You're expected to win and win big. But they come up here totally enthusiastic about playing us and go at it with nothing to lose. "We don't know much about them. So we're going to worry about our team, especially our specialty teams." The University of Alabama-Huntsville is not just any Division II team. They are the D-II national champions, posting an undefeated 26-0-3 record last year. When they beat Penn State 15-0 to open this year's season, they stretched their winning streak to 35 games. The Charters graduated four of last year's D-II All-Americans as well as five of their six defensemen. Returning players include honorable mention All-American Tony Guzzo (13 goals and 39 assists for 52 points), K.C. Schneider (16-8-24), Jamie Baby (8-14-22), and Eric Bilyeu (11-10-21). Forward Ty Hartigan and defenseman Jim Alauria and Mark Motowski transferred to UAH from the deceased UIC program; fellow transfer defenseman Jason Mucciarone arrived from Elmira College. UAH has shown in the past that they could steal a game or two from their D-I brethren. Three years ago they split a series with Merrimack; two years ago they beat Ohio State 4-3. Can they do it again? Don't count on it. Maine is stronger than both of the D-I teams UAH beat. They could scare the potentially complacent Black Bears for two periods on Friday, but it will stop there. PICK: Maine 5-3 and 5-0. ----------------------------------------------- Dave Hendrickson [log in to unmask] Hockey East writer for US College Hockey Online http://www.uscollegehockey.com