From the FreeP: Terriers look to end slump during weekend series in Maine

It has been a tale of two seasons for the No. 13 Boston University men’s hockey team and the University of Maine men’s hockey team. BU (13–12–1, 10–7–1 Hockey East) is in the midst of a second-semester slump after a strong first half of the year, while Maine (8–15–5, 4–10–5 Hockey East) is catching fire after a poor first semester.

The Terriers have a chance to start turning things around Friday in Maine, when they take on the Black Bears at Alfond Arena.

A big part of the turnaround for Maine has been junior goaltender Martin Oullette. Oullette did not start any of the Black Bears’ first five games, and then only held a .894 save percentage through his first four starts of the season.

However, Oullette has picked up his play significantly since his early-season struggles. The St. Hippolyte, Quebec native has a 2.16 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage in 20 starts, including a 1.94 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage in his last five appearances. Hockey East named him Goalie of the Month for his performance in January.

“[The Black Bears] were struggling in goal for a while and now [Oullette] has solidified them,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “I’m sure they are feeling a little bit more confident with him.”

On the other end, the Terriers have not gotten the strong goaltending that helped them to a 10-win first semester as of late. Freshmen goalies Matt O’Connor and Sean Maguire have a combined .877 save percentage over the last 11 games.