The Albert Lea Thunder had a victory in its grasp Friday at the City Arena, but the Owatonna Express scored with six seconds left for a 4-3 victory.

Zach Vierling scored for Owatonna as time was winding down in the third period to hand the Thunder a loss in front of a crowd of 323.

Albert Lea (1-10-1) took a 3-2 lead at the 4:35 mark in the third period when Ryan Johnson scored his second goal of the game. Johnson helped the Thunder overcome a two-goal deficit with what head coach Brad Zangs called a “breakout game.”

Johnson was acquired in a trade with Marquette Sept. 27 and had not recorded a point until Friday night.

Johnson scored his first goal of the season 2:17 into the third period on an assist from Jimmie Perkins.

Derek Docken scored his first goal of the season on a power play as Albert Lea drew the game to 2-all.

But Owatonna scored the final two goals after Johnson’s shorthanded goal and picked up the win.

“When we get a lead we have to jump on them,” Zangs said.

Zangs said the team has to smarter with penalties, Albert Lea had nine in the game.

It was a much better result than the 5-2 loss the Thunder suffered earlier in the season to the Express.

The good news for Albert Lea is that it got another shot at Owatonna Saturday in Owatonna. The results of the game were not available when this edition went to press.

Tom Lescovich faced 37 shots in the game and turned away 33 of them.

“Tommy played a solid game,” Zangs said. “He gave us a chance to win.”

Albert Lea had 31 shots in the game, 20 of which came in the second period.

The Thunder killed off nine penalties Friday against Owatonna.

1st 2nd 3rd Total

Alexandria – 1 1 2 4

Albert Lea – 0 0 3 3

GOAL SCORING: 1st period: Owatonna – Stephen Carew (Joe Beaudette) 7:35

2nd period: Owatonna – Tony McDonald (Zach Vierling, Cory Thorson) 4:44

3rd period: Albert Lea – Ryan Johnson (Jimmie Perkins) 2:17

Albert Lea – Derek Docken (power play) (Mitch Torrel) 3:33

Albert Lea – Ryan Johnson (shorthanded) (Josh Botimer) 4:35

Owatonna – Dmitry Lugin (Michael Palmiscno) 13:13

Owatonna – Zach Vierling (Joe Beaudette, Tim Smith) 19:54

POWER-PLAY CONVERSION: Owatonna — 0 for 9, Albert Lea — 1 for 5,

SHOTS ON GOAL: 1st 2nd 3rd Total

Owatonna 11 12 14 37 Albert Lea 0 20 11 31