Michael Kantor scored with 32 seconds remaining in regulation Friday for the Albert Lea Thunder to force overtime against Alexandria in Alexandria, but the Blizzard won with a goal from Simon Cederborg-Nillsson in the shootout.

The Thunder (4-14-2) were trying to pull closer to Alexandria in the Central Division standings, but wound up three points back of the fourth-place Blizzard following the 2-1 shootout loss.

Alexandria’s Michael Benedict scored at 9:29 in the third period for the game’s first goal.

Albert Lea was outshot 33 to 25, but killed off six Blizzard power-play opportunities.

Joe Rogers made 31 saves in goal for the Thunder.

Albert Lea and Alexandria played Saturday to finish the two-game set. The Thunder return to Albert Lea Sunday to face Bismarck at 5:30 p.m. at the City Arena.

Alexandria 2, Albert Lea 1, shootout

Albert Lea 0 0 1 0—1

Alexandria 0 0 1 0—1

Alexandria won shootout 1-0

First Period—No scoring. Penalties—Alex Niestrom, Alb (boarding), 5:24; Mike Kreig, Ale (holding), 6:14; Mark Ellis, Alb (too many men bench minor), 10:24; Chris Franks, Ale (hooking), 11:13; Danny Wood, Alb (slashing), 16:46.

Second Period—No scoring. Penalties—Jake Armijo, Alb, major (fighting), 5:14; Kreig, Ale, major (fighting), 5:14; Michael Kanor, Alb (delay of game), 7:55; Steve Zierke, Ale (delay of game), 7:55; Brad Phenow, Alb (roughing), 8:35; Niko Kapetanovic (cross checking), 13:15; Nathan Paulson, Alb (checking from behind), 17:49.

Third Period—1, Alexandria, Michael Benedict 1 (Brett Wall, Kyle Clay), 9:29. 2, Albert Lea, Michael Kantor 2 (Derek Docken), 19:28. Penalties—Tyler Resch, Ale (tripping), 2:48.

Overtime—No scoring.

Shootout—Albert Lea 0 (Wood NG, Niestrom NG, Chris Cass NG, Brandon Lubin NG, Brett Meyers NG), Alexandria 1 (Simon Cederborg-Nillsson G, Resch NG, Benedict NG, Alex Altenbernd NG).

Shots on Goal— Albert Lea 9-5-8-3-0—25. Alexandria 14-6-11-1-1—33

Power-play opportunities—Albert Lea 0 of 3; Alexandria 0 of 6.

Goalies—Albert Lea, Joe Rogers 3-8-2 (32 shots, 31 goals). Alexandria, Chris Kamal 3-2-2 (25 shots, 24 saves).

A— 550. T— 3:20.

Referee—Brandon Polich. Linesmen—Brett Martin, Brandon Schmitt.