SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Lake Superior State opened Central Collegiate Hockey Association play with a victory over Michigan State, 3-2, Friday at the Taffy Abel Arena. Sophomore forward Chris Ciotti (2-2--4) tallied LSSU's game-winning power-play goal at 19:59 of the second period.

The Lakers are 3-2-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the CCHA. MSU is 1-3-1 overall and 0-1-0 in the CCHA. The Lakers extended their unbeaten streak at home against the Spartans to 3-0-1, dating back to Jan. 15, 2011.

The Lakers came on strong in the second period after a scoreless first period, during which an LSSU goal was disallowed during the opening minute. Senior forward Ben Power (2-0--2) scored a power-play goal to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead at 6:15 of the second period. Junior defenseman Zach Sternberg (1-3--4) and junior forward Dan Radke (1-1--2) each notched an assist on Sternberg's goal.

LSSU went up 2-0 at 9:54 of the second with a goal from senior forward Nick McParland (2-1--3) from sophomore defenseman Kevin Czuczman (0-1--1). MSU answered at 16:39 with a power-play goal from Tanner Sorenson.

Ciotti's game-winning power-play goal with just a second left in the second period gave the Lakers a 3-1 edge over the Spartans. MSU came back with its final goal of the game at 15:34 of the third from Anthony Hayes.

Junior netminder Kevin Kapalka (3-2-0, 1-0-0 CCHA) was credited with the LSSU victory after playing 36:38 for the Lakers. Kapalka stopped 17 shots before junior goalie Kevin Murdock finished the game for the Lakers, totaling five saves and allowing one goal in 23:22 minutes of play. Kapalka left with an apparent injury right after Sorenson tallied the Spartans' first goal.

Will Yanakeff made 26 saves for Michigan State in the loss.

The Lakers capitalized on the power-play, finishing 2-for-4. The Spartans were held to 1-for-5 on the power-play.

LSSU and MSU will be back in action Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

LSSU 3, MSU 2