It was a tough 15 seconds in the third period that doomed the Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team.

After fighting back from a 2-0 deficit, the Lakers stormed back to tie it, but the visiting Ottawa Gee Gees scored twice in 15 seconds late in the third period to claim a 4-3 victory.

Ottawa scored twice early, just a minute in and then just over five minutes later to go up 2-0 early in the game.

Nipissing replied with two of their own in the second half of the period.

Dan Desrochers scored on the power play just after the midway point, set up by Matt Donnelly and Colby Tower.

Drake Lindsay tied the game with six seconds left in the period, also on the power play, assisted by Gale Lubwele and Tower, who had a three point night.

After no scoring in the second period, the Lakers took the lead on another power play marker.

Lubwele gave Nipissing the early advantage in the third period, their third power play goal of the game.

Lubwele's goal gave him two points, Lindsay, who finished with two points, picked up one assist and Tower added the second assist.

That lead lasted about eight minutes before Ottawa scored twice in 15 seconds to steal the victory.

Domenic Graham made 38 saves in tonight's loss to Ottawa, as Nipissing was outshot 42-17.

The Lakers host Carleton Saturday at 1pm to wrap up the weekend.