Beattie in, others questionable for Maine-Northeastern series

Maine senior Kyle Beattie who has missed time this season with three different concussions is expected to be in the lineup this weekend. The Black Bears have been hit hard by the injury bug all season.

Sophomore forward Connor Leen and senior defenseman Nick Pryor are both unavailable for the weekend. Neither are expected to return this season. For Pryor, an Anaheim Ducks draft pick, that means his career at Maine is over.

Senior forward Joey Diamond who has had recurring back problems this seasons is still questionable for the series. The Long Beach, NY native will be a game-time decision for coach Tim Whitehead. Diamond, the leading goal scorer for the Black Bears, could play a pivotal role in the series if able to go.

Northeastern has their issues, as well. Freshman forward Kevin Roy is questionable with an upper body injury, according to a report by Larry Mahoney in the Bangor Daily News. Roy has 17 goals and 17 assists, leading all Hockey East rookies in scoring. As reported earlier in the week, senior Garrett Vermeersch has been suspended indefinitely by coach Jim Madigan.

The weekend series is crucial to both teams' hopes at making the Hockey East tournament. Maine is one point out of the final playoff spot while Northeastern is three points behind the Black Bears. Game time is set for 7:00 both nights with Bangor's CBS affiliate WABI-TV picking up the broadcasts.

Jeff Cox covers college hockey for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.