ERIE, Pa.—The Mercyhurst Men's Hockey team suits up for their final regular season games this weekend as they take on Niagara in a home and home series. The Lakers play host on Friday as they honor the graduating class on Senior Night and travel to Dwyer Arena on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 7:05 and 7 p.m. respectively. 
 
Last Time Out
 
Last weekend, the Lakers secured a playoff spot as they split a series with Army. The Black Knights took Friday night's game 3-2 in overtime. Mercyhurst rebounded on Saturday with a 7-3 win. 
 
The win snapped a six-game skid for the Lakers. 
 
Electric Esposito 
 
Eric Esposito was honored as the AHA's player of the week after collecting seven points in last weekend's series. The grad transfer posted his first collegiate hat trick in Saturday's win and had four assists over both games. 
 
His 13 goals and 28 points leads the Lakers and he ranks fifth in goals in the AHA. 
 
Postseason Potentials
 
There is still plenty to be decided in the final weekend of regular season play with four teams vying for the final spot to host in the playoffs. 
 
Mercyhurst will be traveling for the postseason and as things currently stand would take on RIT in the first round; however, with a sweep this weekend and help around the league, the Lakers could jump to fifth. 
 
Scouting Niagara
 
Niagara has a 15-14-3 overall record while going 9-12-3 in the AHA. The Purple Eagles dropped both games at Holy Cross last weekend; however, they will join the Lakers in the playoffs. 
 
Mercyhurst hasn't seen the Purple Eagles since late October as they began conference play. The Lakers sent game one to overtime with a third period comeback but fell short in a shootout. Niagara took the second game 3-2 despite and early Laker lead.