The Muskegon Lumberjacks had another close call against the first-place Chicago Steel on Friday night, but came out on the short end of a 4-3 decision in the Windy City.
The Jacks had a 2-0 lead early in the second period, but the Steel scored four of the final five goals to steal the victory.
Chicago’s Michael Emerson scored the game-winning goal at 17:30 of the third period.
Muskegon, who has played Chicago tough all season, fell to 0-5 against the Steel and 13-13-2 overall. The Steel are now 20-7-2.
The two teams will have a rematch on Saturday night in Chicago.
Ethan Whitcomb scored a minute into the game (his 14th of the season) and the Lumberjacks led 1-0 at the end of the first period.
Muskegon went up 2-0 on a goal by Nathan McBrayer at 4:43 of the second period, but Chicago answered with tallies from Christopher Delaney at 12:34 and Michael Hagens at 19:18 to knot the score at 2-2 headed into the third.
Chicago’s Jack Harvey nailed his 21st goal at 5:43 of the final period, Muskegon’s Matthew Morden answered with a goal under a minute later, then Emerson settled the issue in the Steele’s favor when he scored with 2:30 left in the game.
Lumberjacks goalie Raythan Robbins took the loss after stopping 39 of 43 shots. Chicago had a 43-33 advantage in shots on goal. 
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