Lewiston, N.Y. – The Robert Morris University men's hockey team hopes to use this final weekend of the regular season as a "dress rehearsal" for the upcoming Atlantic Hockey tournament.

They'll want to repeat most things from Friday's game at Niagara except the result, as the Colonials largely controlled the action in a 2-1 loss to the Purple Eagles at Dwyer Arena.

No. 20 Robert Morris (21-7-5, 18-5-4 AHC) outshot Niagara 36-20 – including 12-3 in the third period – but couldn't avoid dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season. Junior center Greg Gibson scored the Colonials' lone goal and sophomore netminder Dalton Izyk was strong in defeat, stopping 18 shots.

"I liked our game tonight," head coach Derek Schooley said. "We had a lot of energy. We took the ice and played in their end a lot. The shots on goal were indicative of the territorial play, but I'd trade that for winning on the scoreboard any day."

RMU's scoring frustrations were summed up during a power-play sequence midway through the third period, when their top three scorers on the season – Cody Wydo, Zac Lynch and Scott Jacklin – were all stopped from in tight by sophomore Niagara goalie Jackson Teichroeb.

"He made a lot of saves and we missed some big-time chances," said Schooley of Teichroeb, who denied 35 shots in all. "He made some acrobatic saves, especially in tight. Tonight we were beaten by a good goaltender and an opportunistic hockey team."

Senior winger Isaac Kohls netted both of the Purple Eagles' goals on the evening, capped by the game-winner 6:33 into the third on a scramble in front. Niagara's leading scorer connected from the edge of the crease on his first tally as well, giving the home team a 1-0 lead about six minutes into the game.

The Purple Eagles (5-24-4, 5-18-4 AHC) didn't conjure up much offense besides the goals, but what they got was enough to stretch their unbeaten streak to three (2-0-1). Although Niagara started the night in last place in the 11-team AHC, the Colonials weren't surprised that they faced a stiff challenge in western New York.

"They're playing confident lately," said junior winger Brandon Denham, who finished with two shots, two blocks and a plus-1 rating. "Niagara skates hard and that's how they've always played since I've been here. That's something we'll have to get used to, because that's playoff hockey."

Friday night marked the seventh game out of RMU's last nine that have been decided by one goal. The Colonials won the first five of those – including last Friday's 4-3 comeback victory at RIT that clinched the regular-season title – but now two in a row have gone against them.

"The parity in the league is terrific," Schooley said. "We respect this league and that's why we were honored to win it last week. It's like this on a night-by-night basis, and we've been on the fortunate side of it lately.

"Unfortunately we've lost the last two, but it wasn't for a lack of effort or determination."

The Colonials launched 11 of their 36 shots during their five power plays, each of which were productive. However, the 10th-ranked man-advantage unit in the nation came up empty for just the 12th time in 33 games. RMU played the final 42 seconds with a 6-on-4 power play, but couldn't set up a clean look.

"We got the puck to the net and got our chances," said Denham, who had a last-second desperation pass elude his reach. "I thought we skated well, put the puck behind their 'D' and used the cycle game. That was good to see…we just didn't get the job done."

RMU got its forecheck going right at the start, pinning Niagara in its own zone for long stretches of time. However, Kohls put the Purple Eagles on the board on their first legitimate shot, finishing a three-way passing play at the right post with 6:14 gone.

Although Niagara gained its footing as the period went along, RMU generated good opportunities throughout. Gibson hit the post from the left wing, Jacklin just missed the net from the right dot, and Lynch had a blistering one-timer from between the circles that Teichroeb somehow got a glove on.

Izyk came up with a huge save of his own in the latter stages of the first, lunging to his left to rob Kevin Albers of what appeared to be a sure rebound goal. Izyk, who had won five straight decisions, lost for the first time in regulation against an Atlantic Hockey foe.

For the second time in three games, RMU trailed after one period, but Gibson alleviated that with his fourth goal in three games 4:01 into the second period. The junior center was stopped from the left circle, but chased his rebound into the right corner and wheeled a shot that surprised Teichroeb.

Apparently boosted by Gibson's 12th goal of the season, the Colonials created a handful of chances after that, including an open look for Wydo as he worked his way down the slot. The senior gunner missed high and to the right to keep the game even.

The visitors kept the pedal to the floor on a power play midway through the period, but couldn't connect despite directing several shots toward the Niagara net. RMU ended up with 13 shots on goal in the second, five of which coming during the man advantage; however, the two teams skated to the third tied 1-1.

RMU allowed just three shots in the third – the second-fewest in a frame against the Colonials this season – and nine total in the final 40 minutes.

The Colonials will get a chance at vengeance Saturday night at 84 Lumber Arena, as they close their best regular season ever against Niagara. Fans are advised that Senior Night festivities will be held after the game, followed by the presentation of the AHC regular-season trophy.