BOSTON – The disparity between the top two teams and the bottom four in Hockey East’s women’s division isn’t shrinking.

Last season, both New Hampshire and Providence advanced to the inaugural Hockey East championship, and both teams were the only teams to be nationally ranked.

“We got a bit better this year,” said Maine coach Rick Filighera. “But so did everyone else. As the quality of women’s hockey increases, so will our team.”

Maine has several top recruits this season, and may solve its only major problem: scoring goals.

“Last year, we had great goaltending and solid defense, and we gave New Hampshire a good game at the end of the season. Now we hope we’ve added some scoring to make it more balanced.”

Providence was again the coaches’ top pick in the poll, besting New Hampshire. Maine was third, followed by Boston College, Connecticut and Northeastern.

More games

Hockey East has expanded the number of women’s conference games from 15 to 20 this season. Last year, each team in Hockey East played its conference foes three times. This season, the number is upped to four, further intensifying the fight for the four available postseason berths.

The women drop the puck on league play on Thursday, October 23, when Northeastern visits Providence. Maine first league contest is Friday, November 14 at Boston College.

Maine men on NESN

The New England Sports Network (NESN) has taken over the Hockey East television deal from Fox Sports New England, returning the league to its original broadcast partner.

Maine games will be aired twice, first on January 23rd in a game at Boston University, and again on February 13th at Northeastern. Fox Sports will continue in its separate deal with Boston University, televising eight Terriers games, including one against Maine on January 24th.