Inadequate goal scoring has been a chronic problem for UAA throughout its 20 seasons in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and this season has brought more of the same.
The Seawolves average just 1.71 goals per league game, which ranks last on the 12-team circuit and matches their place in the standings.
During its current six-game losing streak, UAA has managed just six goals. In five of those losses, the Seawolves scored one goal or none.
The dearth of scoring proved particularly painful last Saturday, when UAA lost 1-0 to visiting Wisconsin, marking the fourth time the Seawolves have been shut out in 18 games this season. It didn't help that UAA mustered a season-low 12 shots on goal.
The Seawolves' path doesn't get any easier this weekend, when they play at No. 1-ranked Minnesota, which permits opponents just 1.80 goals per game to sit fourth in the nation in team defense. Minnesota is coming off a 4-1 home-ice win over No. 2-ranked Notre Dame on Tuesday night.
Earlier this season, Minnesota visited Anchorage and surrendered just two goals on the weekend. At least the Seawolves salvaged a point from the series, rebounding for a 4-0 loss to get a 2-2 tie.
UAA's perennial inability to generate consistent offense is generally a strong indicator of where it will finish in the WCHA.
In five of coach Dave Shyiak's previous seven seasons, the Seawolves' ranking in goals per league game matched their finish in the league. For example, last season, UAA finished 12th in league scoring and 12th in the standings.
Find Doyle Woody's blog at adn.com/hockeyblog or call him at 257-4335.
By DOYLE WOODY