Big challenges often take big efforts.

That’s how the University of Maine is looking at this weekend’s trip to the NCAA Northeast Regional in Worcester.

The Black Bears have a showdown against the defending national champions from Minnesota- Duluth Saturday and may have to do it without top scorer Spencer Abbott.

It’s a tall order for Maine, but the Black Bears are taking no fear and no excuses to Worcester for their first trip to the regional since 2007.

“We’re totally prepared to drop the puck without (Abbott),” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “Most importantly, there won’t be any excuses. That’s what we’ve told our team. I don’t think we played our best game against (Boston College). Obviously they’re a great team and played a great game, but I think we can play better.”

Abbott was injured in the Hockey East semifinal win over Boston University. He suffered a head injury and is questionable for Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. game.

“He’s doing fine,” said Whitehead. “With head injuries, you have to be patient. It’s a delicate situation and it should be. We’re going to assume he’s not playing. We’d love to have him. It’d be a bonus if he comes back. We’re going to assume he’s not just because of the nature of the injury.”

Abbott led the team with 20 goals and 41 assists. His absence has meant some line juggling. Matt Mangene (15-18-33) moved up to the top line with Brian Flynn (18-29-47) and Joey Diamond (25-22-47) against BC in the Hockey East final.

“We gained some experience playing without him,” said Whitehead. “We handled it well in the BU game. We were able to bounce back from the injury and the goal that resulted from it. Three minutes later, we were able to get the power play goal. We clamped down defensively at the end and got the empty-netter. So we’re real proud of the guys for responding there.”

Against BC in the final, the Black Bears had less success, going 0-for-5 on the power play after a 4-for-6 night against BU.

“I don’t think we played our best game,” said Whitehead. “We came out of the gates strong. They got two quick goals and we fought back. I was real proud how we were competing without Spence. We feel we can go toe-to-toe with anybody without our top scorer. I think that was an important lesson to learn.”

The Bulldogs (24-9-6) will be a challenge. Like Maine, Minnesota-Duluth possesses a potent offense and a dynamic power play, led by Jack Connolly (19-39-58), Travis Oleksuk (21-30-51), J.T. Brown (23-23-46) and Caleb Herbert (13-19-32). Connolly, Oleksuk and Brown combined for 25 power-play goals and 13 game-winners. Goalie Kenny Reiter played 36 games going 22-8-6 with a .912 save percentage and a 2.40 goals against.

“It’s a real tough opponent for us,” said Whitehead. “We have great respect for what they’ve accomplished, not just last year but this year. They’re a great hockey team. They’ve been No. 1 for a large part of the season. So we know what we’re up against.”

Diamond, Flynn and Mangene combined for 26 power-play goals. Will O’Neill had three goals and 28 assists to anchor the defense. He’s just one point away from the 1,000-point milestone. Goalie Dan Sullivan played in 35 games, going 22-10-3 with a 2.54 goals against and .910 save percentage.

“Dan’s done a tremendous job,” said Whitehead. “That’s been our Achilles’ heel the last few years. We were right on the edge of the tournament the last couple of years, and we just weren’t able to solidify that position. Part of it was that Dan got injured last year. He’s just been tremendous. He’s worked extremely hard, not just technically but focusing on how to deal with being our go-to guy and handle that responsibility. I can’t speak enough to his mental toughness.”

The Black Bears are 3-5 against the Bulldogs but are 14-4 in the regionals, including 7-1 in Worcester.

“It shapes up to be a great hockey game, but it’s one and you’re done,” said Whitehead. “So which team brings its best is going to advance. So we know we’ve got to be ready.”

Maine stumbled earlier in the year. Between injuries and the slow start, the Black Bears were 3-6-2 after 11 games. Maine finished the year 13-5-1, including a crucial win over Merrimack to reach the Hockey East semifinals and the win over BU to advance to the conference championship game. They also had the overtime win at Fenway.

“Seeing these guys bounce back from that adversity and play their best, it’s a good feeling for a coach when your team achieves well, but it’s the satisfaction of seeing guys improve and fight through adversity and really rise up together,” said Whitehead. “That’s really the most satisfying thing.”

So even though the Bulldogs have a little bit more experience, coming off a national title run of last year, the Black Bears feel well-seasoned.

“It always helps to have experience, and that’s an advantage for them,” said Whitehead. “We’ve been in a lot of big games this year and performed well. That should give us confidence. Our guys have been in a lot of big games and had some success. That should take care of most of the big game jitters.”

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