MANKATO, Minn.- Lake Superior State gave up three power-play goals and a short-handed goal while falling 5-2 to Minnesota State-Mankato Friday in the first of a two-game Western Collegiate Hockey Association series.

The Lakers (4-18-1, 3-12-0 WCHA) and Mavericks (15-4-1, 12-2-1 WCHA) skated through the first 45 minutes of regulation in a closely-contested matchup before the Mavericks were able to seal the game with a pair of late third-period goals.

Against an offense that Damon Whitten and crew consider to be the best forward squad they've seen during the season, the Lakers bounced back from almost every major punch the Mavericks threw at them.

After falling behind by two goals at the 13:14 mark of the second period, Laker Alex Globke (2-4--6) scored just 22 seconds later. For Globke, it marked the first goal he has scored since Oct. 17 against Notre Dame. Daniel Vernace (2-1--3) and Mitch Nardi (2-4--6) assisted on the first tally for the Lakers.

After trailing by a goal after the first period and the teams exchanged goals in the second period. The Lakers, who got their second goal from Vernace, seemed to take some momentum into the second intermission despite trailing, 3-2.

The third period started with a tripping penalty assessed to Aidan Wright just 16 seconds into the final period. As the Lakers killed off the penalty and Wright was exiting the box, the Lakers were called for their fifth penalty of the evening as Stephen Perfetto was whistled for tripping. This time the Mavericks converted for their second power-play goal of the evening with Zach Palmquist registering the goal eight seconds after the whistle.

The Lakers wasted little time answering right back as the Globke-Vernace-Nardi line answered 36 seconds later to cut the margin back to a one-goal differential. Vernace scored this time for the Lakers, receiving the pass from Globke. Goaltender Gordon Defiel was credited with the seond assist on the goal by Globke

That was the last goal the Lakers mustered. The Mavs netted a power-play tally and a short-handed marker by Zach Stepan and Bryce Gervais, respectively, to make the final score 5-2.

Florida Classic MVP, Defiel, got the start in net for the Lakers and looked solid early on, posting 14 saves in the first period while many times making second and third-try stops. The Mavericks attacked Defiel early with a barrage of plays in front of the net, and the young goalie stood tall through much of the game. Defiel finished with 34 saves on the evening.

Defiel's counterpart, Cole Huggins, wasn't tested much but the Lakers picked up the pair of goals on their 23 shots of the evening.

The Lakers and Mavericks will finish up the series Saturday at 8:07 pm ET. Saturday's game will mark the last time the teams will face off during the 2014-15 regular season.

Final MSU 5 - LSSU 2