GRAND FORKS, N.D.- No. 1-ranked North Dakota out-scored Lake Superior State 2-1 in the third period to win Saturday's hockey game, 3-1.

The Lakers (3-15-0 overall, 3-9-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) were able to counter a sluggish start by UND (12-3-2 overall, 5-2-1 National Collegiate Hockey Conference), trading very few shots in the first period as the two teams skated to a scoreless tie. Lake Superior State mustered only four shots in the opening frame despite three power play opportunities. UND registered six shots on Lakers' starting goaltender Gordon Defiel in the first.

UND's Brendan O'Donnell scored his fifth of the season just 1:40 into the second period. The Lakers managed two shots during the middle period.

North Dakota opened a 2-0 lead on a goal by Luke Johnson with 11:44 remaining in regulation.

Senior forward Stephen Perfetto (5-3--8) gave the Lakers late life in the third period, as he split the defenders and dribbled the puck through Zane McIntyre's legs with 5:10 remaining in the game. Ryan Renz (0-2--2) and Andrew Dommett (1-3--4) assisted on the goal.

The Lakers' momentum didn't last as Jordan Schmaltz gave UND the 3-1 lead and eventual final score with his goal at 16:59. The Lakers went on a late power play and had Defiel (26 saves) pulled in favor of an extra attacker, but could not inch any closer during the waning moments of the game.

The Lakers finished 0-for-7 on the power play, while UND converted two of their four chances. The Lakers were also out shot 29-17.

The Lakers, who have lost four straight decisions, took away some positives from their play against the No. 1 team in the nation. They resume WCHA play next week at Ferris State.

Final UND 3 - LSSU 1