BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team overcame a three-goal deficit, but eventually dropped a 4-3 decision to Canisius in Atlantic Hockey Association play on Friday.

Kane Elliot, Matthew Whittaker and Derek Barach scored goals for the Lakers (7-6-0, 5-2-0), turning a three-goal deficit into a 3-3 tie, but that knot came to a quick end when Canisius took the lead for good with 5:44 left in the contest.

Barach and Philippe Drouin were leading point-getters for Mercyhurst; Barach had one assist while Drouin finished with two helpers.

Elliott scored Mercyhurst's first goal with 48 seconds left in the second period, getting assists from both Barach and Drouin.

In the third, Whittaker cut the Golden Griffin lead to 3-2, receiving assists from Taylor Best and Nathan Ferriero. With 6:27 left in the third, Barach tied the contest with assists from Drouin and Kyle Cook.

Just 43 seconds later, Mike Sabatini put in the eventual game-winner for Canisius with an assist from Shane Conacher.

Goals by Ryan Schmelzer, Felix Chamberland and Ralph Cuddemi (short-handed) staked the Griffins their 3-0 lead. Conacher finished with three assists.

Canisius goaltender Simon Hofley had 39 saves for the win.

Brandon Wildung started in goal for Mercyhurst and made 17 saves. Adam Carlson stopped five shots in relief.

Mercyhurst went 0-for-4 on the power play while Canisius was 1 of 4. The Lakers held a 42-26 shot advantage.

The same two teams will meet again on Saturday. Faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m.