NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - The Mercyhurst men's hockey traveled Niagara for game two of the two sides second home-and-home series of the season. Previously, the Lakers swept the Purple Eagles in January. Last night, the Lakers outlasted the Purple Eagles, 3-2. However, that game ended with several extracurriculars that led to a couple of suspensions. The squad depth advantage Niagara had over Mercyhurst, along with their two powerplay goals, proved to make the difference as they beat the Lakers, 3-1. Mercyhurst had a season-high seven powerplay opportunities, and they failed to convert any of them. 
 
The first frame began with Mercyhurst (5-24-3, 5-16-3 AHA) taking early control in the faceoff circle. Ryan Coughlin secured the initial possession. In fact, Coughlin's performance marked his second consecutive game winning at least 12 faceoffs. Charles-Edward Gravel maintained a strong presence in goal early on, turning away multiple shots from Niagara (11-20-1, 8-15-1 AHA). Despite several offensive attempts, including a power play opportunity, the Lakers were unable to convert their chances into goals. The Purple Eagles capitalized on a power play at 7:34. The Laker's efforts to equalize were thwarted by missed shots and a stout defensive effort from Niagara. The period concluded with the Purple Eagles leading, 1-0.
 
The Lakers started the middle period by winning the opening faceoff, showing early aggression with a quick shot from Barrett Brooks. A power-play opportunity arose when Niagara's was penalized for goalkeeper interference. Despite this advantage, Mercyhurst was unable to capitalize again. Later on, Tyler DesRochers received a penalty, allowing Niagara to capitalize on the power play. The Lakers continued to apply pressure, but it was not enough as the period ended with a 2-0 advantage for Niagara. 
 
Mercyhurst faced a challenging third period as Niagara extended its lead with a goal at 12:22. Despite the setback, the Lakers responded at 7:54 when captain Brooks found the back of the net with help from Jacob LeBlanc and Coughlin. Mercyhurst received additional power play opportunities, but they were unable to convert further, concluding the game with a 3-1 loss to Niagara. They did go 3-1 against Niagara this season, but the loss tonight means they fell further behind in the AHA standings. 
 
The final series of the regular season will begin Friday, Feb. 27 at RMU. Game two of this home-and-home series will take place in Erie at 5 p.m. the next day. The game will mark Rick Gotkin's final home game of his 38-year career.