Getting any points is a challenge right now for the Albert Lea Thunder and Saturday was no different when it faced North Iowa in Mason City.

The Thunder (4-14-1) rallied from a two-goal first period deficit to force a shootout where Albert Lea failed to get a goal off Outlaw goaltender Paul Moberg in a 3-2 shootout loss.

North Iowa pulled into a tie with Owatonna for first with Ryan Bohrer’s shootout tally in the Central Division while the Thunder walked away with a point from the loss.

“Getting a point on the road, especially after the third game on the road is a big deal for me,” said Albert Lea head coach Chuck Linkenheld.

Getting that point took some extra effort from the Thunder and it came from the penalty kill. Alex Niestrom scored a shorthanded goal 3 minutes, 13 seconds into the third period to tie the game at 2-2.

The penalty kill was a source of strength for Albert Lea for the first time this season as the Thunder killed off seven power plays, including a 5-on-3, and allowed just one power-play goal.

“That’s what kept us in the game,” Linkenheld said.

After falling behind 2-0 less than five minutes into the game Mike Kantor put Albert Lea on the board with his first goal of the season at the 12:52 mark and the Thunder kept the Outlaws at bay.

North Iowa 3, Albert Lea 2, shootout

North Iowa wins shootout 1-0

Albert Lea 1 0 1 0 — 2

North Iowa 2 0 0 1 — 3

First Period—1, North Iowa, Gander 3 (Loisel, Belisle), 3:17 (pp.). 2, North Iowa, McElhone 2 (Friscmon, Knight), 4:23. 3, Albert Lea, Kantor 1 (Cass), 12:52. Penalties—Ellis, Alb (tripping), 1:40; Loisel, Alb (elbowing), 4:49; North Iowa (too many men bench minor), 9:48; Cass, Alb (holding), 16:44; Frischmon, Nor (delay of game), 17:26; Armijo, Alb (delay of game), 17:26; Niestrom, Alb (hooking), 18:10.

Second Period—No scoring. Penalties—Kantor, Alb (cross checking), 12:58; Armijo, Alb (slashing), 17:04; Anderegg, Nor (interference), 17:28.

Third Period—4, Albert Lea, Niestrom 2 (unassisted), 3:13 (sh.). Penalties—Ellis, Alb (tripping), 2:56; Phenow, Alb (hooking), 6:11; McDonald, Nor (cross checking), 11:05; Knight, Nor (hooking), 13:49; Phenow, Alb (holding), 18:55.

Overtime—No scoring. No penalties.

Shootout—Albert Lea 0 (Wood NG, Nehring NG, Ellis NG, Johnson NG, Kapetanovic NG). North Iowa (McElhone NG, Bohrer G, Gaarder NG, Knox NG).

Shots on goal—Albert Lea 13-8-1-8-0—30. North Iowa 16-14-0-10-1—41.

Power-play opportunities—Albert Lea 0 of 5; North Iowa 1 of 8.

Goalies—Albert Lea, Rogers 3-8-1 (41 shots, 38 saves). North Iowa, Moberg 7-4-1 (30 shots, 28 saves).

A— 487. T— 2:35.

Referee— Robert Mayer. Linesmen— Paul Jene, Andrew Bethmann.