photo by Nick Gerhardt

Albert Lea forward Matt Johnson tries to get past Bismarck’s Sam Rendle Sunday at the City Arena. The Thunder gave up three second period power-play goals in a 4-0 loss.

Opportunity turns to disappointment for Thunder

By Nick Gerhardt | Albert Lea Tribune

Published Monday, November 16, 2009

Visions of a six-point weekend developed into the reality of a one-point weekend and a five-game losing streak for the Albert Lea Thunder after a lack of offensive production and undisciplined play cost the team any chance of moving out of last place in the Central Division.

Facing two teams the team has beaten this season had the Thunder confident and two points behind Alexandria for fourth place entering the weekend, but a two-game sweep by the Blizzard put Albert Lea five points behind Alexandria after a 2-1 shootout loss and a 5-2 loss Saturday.

The Thunder returned home Sunday for one final opportunity to earn some points in the division. But three power-play goals and little offense resulted in a 4-0 loss to Bismarck at the City Arena to make push the Thunder’s losing streak to five games.

A beat up Thunder team was no match for the Bobcats (9-7-5) and didn’t do itself any favors by committing untimely penalties. Casey Kleisinger scored twice on the power play for the Bobcats in the second period after Dominic Panetta scored the game’s first goal on a power-play tally at the 9:35 mark. John Avino added the final goal of the game in the third period on a rebound goal in front of the Albert Lea net.

“We just had a tough time putting three periods together throughout the whole weekend,” said Thunder defenseman Derek Docken. “Once again penalties killed us almost every shift. It’s draining mentally and physically when every shift you’re out there killing penalties. ”

Albert Lea committed eight penalties and it took away any momentum the Thunder might have had achieved.

“I think this weekend was kind of a learning experience for everyone because we kind of struggled as a team just getting shots on net and getting opportunities,” said Thunder forward Chris Cass. “You saw in those last two shifts, the reason we were in their zone the whole time was because guys were driving to the outside and creating opportunities. If you looked at the previous 30, 40 shifts, guys were dumping it deep and they’d break out right away.”

Albert Lea tallied just three goals on the weekend as the offense struggled to generate scoring chances.

Albert Lea head coach Chuck Linkenheld wasn’t pleased with the weekend and said changes will have to be made.

“I’m not happy with it at all,” he said. “It’s up to us as coaches to make some changes.”

The Bobcats pulled into a tie for first place in the Central Division with the victory and Albert Lea was left reeling after a long weekend.

The Thunder, already riddled by injuries, was dealt two big blows this weekend. Goaltender Joe Rogers was lost with an ankle injury Saturday against Alexandria and is expected to miss 10 days. Then in the third period Sunday forward Michael Kantor suffered what is believed to be a concussion after a big collision at the Albert Lea blue line. If it is a concussion it would be Kantor’s second in two weeks and he would likely have to miss an extended period of time.

Those losses added to long list of infirmed on the roster. The Thunder is already dealing with injuries to Danny Wood (ankle), Stephen Obarzanek (knee) and Ben Waalkens (hip).

Albert Lea is off until Saturday when the team plays host to Owatonna.

Bismarck 4, Albert Lea 0

Bismarck 0 3 1 — 4

Albert Lea 0 0 0 — 0

First Period —No scoring. Penalties—Mark Ellis, Alb (tripping), 11:47; Jake Armijo, Alb (slashing), 17:03; Bryan Mitchell, Alb (tripping), 18:06; Tim Serratore, Bis (hooking), 18:09; Brett Meyers, Alb (delay of game), 19:27; John Avino, Bis (delay of game), 19:32; Michael Kantor, Alb (boarding), 19:51.

Second Period —1, Bismarck, Dominic Panetta (unassisted) 3, 9:35 (pp.). 2, Bismarck, Casey Kleisinger 7, (Sean McKenzie, Jason Fabian), 14:24 (pp.). 3, Bismarck, Kleisinger 8, 17:56 (pp.). Penalties—Nick Jensen, Bis (boarding), 5:09; Kantor, Alb, game misconduct (unsportsmanlike conduct), 8:06; Brad Phenow, Alb (tripping), 13:53; Emerson Auvenshine, Bis (holding stick), 15:05; Zach Lewis, Alb (boarding), 17:46.

Third Period —4, Bismarck, John Avino 9 (Sam Dougherty, Kleisinger) 2, 6:18. Penalties—Ilya Kravtchouk, Bis (boarding), 6:49.

Shots on Goal —Bismarck 1-20-7— 28. Albert Lea 0-27-6.

Power-play opportunities—Bismarck 3 of 7; Albert Lea 0 of 4.

Goalies—Bismarck, Ryan Massa 4-4-1 (33 shots, 33 saves). Albert Lea, Ben Waalkens 1-7-0 (28 shots, 24 saves).

A— 350. T—3:00.

Referee—Tommy Albindia. Linesman—Sterling Egan.

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