Scouting the Black Bears

The Spartans will host the Maine Black Bears this weekend to open the regular season. Maine is ranked #6/8 in the country so this weekend will be a big test. The Black Bears defeated UMASS Lowell 8-2 and tied UConn 3-3. Maine is led by Gustav Nyquist, who led the country in scoring last year and Joey Diamon, who leads the team in scoring this year. Maine has seven newcomers and the core of their lineup back from last year. Shawn Sirman will likely be in net this weekend. The Black Bears were projected to finish second in a tough Hockey East conference. Michigan State and Maine split last year's series in Orono.