The SIJHL champions are behind the eight ball at the Dudley Hewitt Cup.
The Fort Frances Lakers defence struggled against the host Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in an 8-5 loss Tuesday night.
Kirkland Lake scored four times in the third to wrap up the game.
A.J. Rupert, Matt Tustin, Nick Minerva, Nolan Ross and Dylan Kooner scored for Fort Frances.
Pierce Dushenko was in net for seven of the eight goals and finished with 38-saves.
In other action, Trenton beat the Soo Thunderbirds 4-2.
That puts the Lakers in a pivotal battle Wednesday against the Thunderbirds.
Game time is 1:00 central.
Only the top three teams qualify for the playoffs.
