With a playoff spot already locked up and earning a single point Friday night, the Nipissing Lakers are set for the first round of the playoffs.

The Lakers came up short against the RMC Paladins, losing 4-3 in a shootout, but did manage to secure seventh place by picking up a point, erasing a 3-1 deficit in the third period.

The teams traded goals in the first period, with RMC opening up the scoring very early.

Danny Desrochers replied on the power play, set up by Matt Donnelly and Guillaume Naud.

RMC scored twice in the second period to go up 3-1 after 40 minutes, thanks to two power play markers.

Down a pair entering the third period, the Lakers stormed back, scoring twice, including a late goal with less than five minutes lef.t

Erik Robichaud made it 3-2 RMC, with assists going to Dylan Staples and Harrison Harper and then Desrochers scored his second of the game to tie things up.

Naud and Colin Campbell earned helpers on the Lakers second goal coming with the man advantage.

After a scoreless overtime, the game moved to a shootout where a lone RMC goal would be the difference.

Brent Moran was busy in net, finishing with 50 saves in the loss.

Nipissing now closes out the regular season Saturday night in Kingston against Queens.

The playoffs are set to begin Wednesday, with Nipissing hosting Game 1 of their first round matchup.