The Flint Generals' Offensive Woes Continue to Linger

FLINT, Michigan -- The offensive wheels just aren't turning for the Flint Generals lately.

10:26 into the third period of Sunday's game vs. Muskegon was the last time the Gens lit the lamp. Jamie Schaafsma claimed the goal -- 134:34 later, he remains the last General to net a puck. 

Flint's self-inflicted lack of offense cost them the game against Dayton Saturday night. The Gems won 3-0, with their final goal coming by way of an empty netter (Mike Vaskivuo, 19:38).

One thing that Flint isn't lacking is intensity.

The Generals continue to fight night-in-and-night-out, in an attempt to gain enough ground to claim the IHL's final playoff spot (4th place) -- then they have to hold on to it.

"We're just not getting the bounces, you know?" said Generals Forward Matt Moffat. "The puck is just bouncing an inch too far, an inch behind us."

The 5-foot-10-inch, 170lb. Moffat has quickly become known for his scrappy play and hopes that his speed will be of service to the Generals in their playoff push.

"We'll pick it up tomorrow and hopefully some pucks will bounce our way," Moffat said.

Flint's Brian Smolinski was a scratch for Saturday night's game, he's battling what has been reported as a knee injury.

John Ronan, one of the Generals' star forwards, was also absent against Dayton.

Ronan leads the club in goals with 14 and is  fourth in points with 27. Ronan has a +/- rating of +7, also a team best.

The Generals will go on a four game road trip this week, beginning in Muskegon and ending in Bloomington on January 17th.

Flint is 2-13-1-0 on the road thus far, but they boast a healthy record of 9-6-0-4 within the confines of Perani Arena.

The Generals fall to 11-19-1-4 overall.