ORONO – As expected, goal scoring was a problem for the University of Maine men’s hockey team this season.

The Bears lost their top two goal scorers in Todd Jackson, who had 21 a year ago, and Colin Shields (18) and their fifth-leading goal producer in Dustin Penner (11).

But the Bears’ goal surge, 19 in their last three games, represents the most productive three-game stretch since they tallied 20 in wins over Boston University (2) and Boston College in March, 2002.

Prior to the current streak, Maine had scored only seven goals in its previous four games.

Ten players have scored at least one goal and eight have scored two or more in the streak; 14 have registered two or more points and eight have recorded three or more points.

Freshmen have combined for five goals and 10 assists led by defenseman Tim Maxwell (two goals, three assists) and Bret Tyler (four assists).

“Not bad for a team without a proven goal scorer,” said senior right wing John Ronan, whose three goals and four assists lead the Bears. “Everybody is chipping in.”

“The forwards are going to the net a lot harder. Six or seven of those goals have come off rebounds in front,” said junior co-captain and defenseman Jeff Mushaluk.

“We’ve put a lot of emphasis on getting the puck to the net and getting traffic in front,” said junior center Jon Jankus. “Guys like Josh Soares and Brent Shepheard are strong and they’re opening up space. They’re also burying their chances.”

Soares has 2 & 3 and Shepheard has 2 & 2 during the team’s first three-game winning streak of the season.

Shepheard said the Bears have been doing a better job putting their shots on net and that has created more opportunities.

“And we’ve been getting some puck luck,” said Shepheard.

Maine coach Tim Whitehead and his staff implemented several offense-oriented drills designed to improve their players’ skill level two weeks ago and it has paid dividends.

The drills include three-on-three games in small, confined areas and shooting competitions.

“We’ve focused on putting the puck in the net [in practice] and it’s definitely working right now,” said Soares.

“The players have worked hard at improving our skill level offensively,” said Whitehead. “They’ve been supporting the puck a lot better.”

He said having various competitions makes it fun for the players “and they’ve been translating it into games now.”

They have stressed getting at least 30 shots on goal and Maine has averaged 37 over its past four games.

Whitehead has been pleased with the productivity from the freshman class and the scoring balance.

The top line of Derek Damon between Billy Ryan and Greg Moore had been pacing the Bears but they were held to just one assist in this past weekend’s 6-2 win over UMass and 8-4 triumph over Providence.

“That line had carried us but it’s nice to see other guys stepping up. It’s the sign of a strong team,” said Whitehead.

The return of sophomore center Michel Leveille last past weekend has also helped, according to Ronan.

Leveille, who missed the previous six games with a separated shoulder, had his first hat trick in the win over Providence after collecting an assist against UMass Amherst.

“He gave us a big lift. Any time he’s on the ice, he can make something happen,” said Ronan.

Maine’s resurgent power play has been another key ingredient, going 5-for-17 in the three games (29.4 percent).

Maine travels to Dartmouth (N.H.) for a 7 p.m. game Saturday game.