Albert Lea Thunder head coach Chuck Linkenheld said the Central Division leading Bismarck Bobcats might have been a little road weary after making the trip down to Albert Lea Friday night, but then again Linkenheld might have shortchanged the effort of his squad.

The Thunder (7-18-2) jumped out to a 2-0 lead at the City Arena against the Bobcats (15-8-6) and used a four-goal third period to clobber Bismarck 7-3 for Albert Lea’s third win in four chances.

With the victory the Thunder remained a point behind Alexandria for fourth place in the Central after the Blizzard beat North Iowa 6-2 in Mason City.

“We got a good start and we worked hard, period,” Linkenheld said.

Brett Meyers scored two power-play goals as Albert Lea converted each time it had a power play and Mark Ellis added a goal and an assist.

Chris Cass scored for the fourth consecutive game and Niko Kapetanovic notched his team-leading 10th goal of the season in the third period. Derek Docken scored in the third and Meyers added his second goal of the game in the period.

The recently acquired Zach May scored his second goal of the season with the Thunder in the third as well.

“They’re starting to put it together,” Linkenheld said.

The other two recent additions, Ricky Brown and Taylor Ward also had assists for Albert Lea as the three have made an instant impact on offense.

The Thunder wrapped up a two-game set with Bismarck Saturday at the City Arena.

Albert Lea 7, Bismarck 3

Bismarck 1 1 1 — 3

Albert Lea 2 1 4 — 7

First Period— 1, Albert Lea, Brett Meyers 1 (Brad Phenow), 3:21 (pp.). 2, Albert Lea, Mark Ellis 4 (Ricky Brown, Taylor Ward), 10:16. 3, Bismarck, Casey Kleisinger 9, 14:01 (pp.). Penalties — Ilya Kravtchouk, Bis (cross checking), 2:33; Michael Kantor, Alb (tripping), 12:49; Gavin Hartzog, Bis (tripping), 15:36.

Second Period— 4, Bismarck, Matt Shost 2 (Dominic Panetta, Sam Rendle), 7:23 (pp.). 5, Albert Lea, Niko Kapetanovic 10 (Alex Niestrom, Brad Phenow), 19:50. Penalties— Zach May, Alb (interference), 6:57; Kantor, Alb (fighting major), 19:52; Hartzog, Bis (fighting major), 19:52.

Third Period— 6, Albert Lea, Derek Docken 2, 3:52. 7, Albert Lea, Zach May 2 (Niko Kapetanovic, Stephen Obarzanek), 5:43. 8, Albert Lea, Meyers 2 (Mark Ellis), 6:50 (pp.). 9, Bismarck, Ryan Jacobson 14 (George Malllaras), 9:20. 10, Albert Lea, Chris Cass 6 (Meyers, Obarzanek), 14:53. Penalties— Hannibal, Alb (holding), 2:39; Ryan Faragher, Bis (roughing), 5:51; Kleisinger, Bis (unsportsmanlike conduct), 5:51; Hannibal, Alb (unsportsmanlike conduct), 6:50.

Shots on Goal— Bismarck 10-10-4—24. Albert Lea 12-14-8—34.

Power-play opportunities—Bismarck 2 of 4; Albert Lea 3 for 3.

Goalies—Bismarck, Faragher 9-4-5 (34 shots-27 saves). Albert Lea, Rogers 5-9-3 (24-21)

A— 400. T— 2:05.

Referee—Stephen Thomson. Linesmen–Boone Bruggman, Mark Supina.