There's no question, the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team can't catch a break this season.

It began with a slew of injuries, then it was some tough losses, now it's bad bounces, like the one Sunday night that sent them to their third straight loss.

After playing a very strong game and posting a big second period, the Lakers were on the wrong end of a weird goal with about five minutes left in the game, as the UOIT Ridgebacks escaped North Bay with a 4-3 victory over Nipissing.

Leading 3-2 after 40 minutes, the Lakers allowed two goals in the third, including the floater that decided the game.

A fast-paced first period saw the Ridgebacks score the lone goal, but it was the Lakers with more shots and better chances, including a post on a power play in the opening 20 minutes.

Nipissing tied the game early in the second period when Colin Campbell ripped a shot over the right shoulder of UOIT goalie Brendan O'Neill.

Mitch McNeill earned the assist on the tying goal.

The Lakers took the lead before the midway point of the period, while killing a penalty, as Campbell scored his second of the night and 10 th of the season after taking a breakaway feed from Danny Desrochers.

UOIT evened things up with under three minutes to go, but 12 seconds late Jimmy McDowell gave the lead back to Nipissing.

Dylan Staples and Desrochers picked up the assists on the go-ahead goal, as Nipissing took that 3-2 lead to the second period intermission.

In the third, UOIT would strike early and again late to come away with the comeback victory.

The Ridgebacks outshot the Lakers 32-27, as Lakers starting goalie Talor Joseph finished with 258 saves in a strong effort.

The Lakers will now hit the road and face Carleton and McGill next weekend.