It was a tough end to an overall strong game for the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team Friday night on home ice.

The Lakers held a 2-1 lead for the majority of the game, but allowed three goals in the final four minutes of the game, falling 4-2 to the Ottawa Gee Gees at Memorial Gardens.

Nipissing struck twice in the first period, as Tyler Brown opened up the scoring unassisted before the midway point of the first.

After Ottawa responded, Steve Deeg tallied his third of the season to regain the one goal lead.

Chad Thibodeau and Danny Desrochers picked up assists on the go-ahead goal.

The score remained that way through 40 minutes and right up until the final stretch of the third. Ottawa tied the game at the 16:22 mark and scored the eventual winner about two minutes later.

They also added an empty-net goal to seal the win and escape with two points.

Domenic Graham was impressive in net, despite being tagged with the loss, as he made 39 saves.

The final shots read 43-19 in favour of Ottawa.

Nipissing will try to bounce back when they host the Carleton Ravens Saturday night at Memorial Gardens.

Puck drop is set for 7:30pm.