ORONO – Now that the University of Maine’s hockey team has earned its eighth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, it’s time for the Bears to get down to business in preparation for Saturday’s 3 p.m. game against Harvard at the East Regional in Albany, N.Y.

Maine’s 4-1 loss to Boston College in the Hockey East semifinal Friday night epitomized the recent trend that has prevented the Bears from winning another NCAA title since their last one in 1998-99: lack of goal production in the post-season.

Maine has scored just two goals in its last three single-elimination games involving Hockey East and NCAA tourney play; three in its last five; five in its last six; seven in its last seven and 15 in its last 10 games.

They have scored more than one goal in a period just once over those 10 games.

“Basically, it’s always a matter of getting to the net,” said senior center Derek Damon. “When we’re shooting the puck low and trying to generate rebounds for second-chance opportunities, that’s when we’re playing our best.

“On Friday night, we were shooting the puck wide or putting it into [BC goalie Cory Schneider’s] chest or glove. We didn’t play with a lot of urgency and we have to play with a lot of urgency and desperation because now it’s one loss and you’re out,” added Damon.

Senior center Michel Leveille said the Bears have to attack the opposing net front like Boston University does “even if it takes second effort.

“If you watch the NHL, that’s the way they score goals. You have to force the [opposing] defensemen to make a move. That opens things up,” said Leveille who added that by playing tenacious team defense, Maine can also create transition opportunities.

“We’ve got to get the puck to the net and create more ugly goals,” senior right wing and captain Greg Moore said. “We can’t worry about making things look good.”

Junior left wing Josh Soares, who has scored both of Maine’s goals in its last three single-elimination games, is confident the Bears will put the puck in the net.

“In the past, it’s been something we’ve really struggled with,” said Soares. “But, overall, we’re better offensively this year. It’s not something I’m worried about. We know we can put the puck in the net.”

Maine coach Tim Whitehead noted that the difference between his team’s 4-1 and 3-1 regular season wins over BC on Feb. 17-18 in Orono and its loss last Friday night at the TD Banknorth Garden was a net- front presence.

“We didn’t get to the net hard enough. We didn’t get to the net with a lot of passion,” said Whitehead. “We did it consistently in Orono and made it very tough for Schneider to see the shots.”

NOTEBOOK: Tickets will go on sale for Maine’s NCAA East Regional game against Harvard this morning at 8:30 at the Alfond Arena box office in Orono. Those seeking more information may call 581-BEAR.