The Albert Lea Thunder clinched the fourth and final spot for the North American Hockey League Central Division playoffs Thursday after North Iowa lost 3-2 to Owatonna, but Albert Lea wasn’t able to stop Bismarck Friday in a 4-1 loss in Bismarck.

Dominic Panetta scored two goals while Ryan Jacobson and Bryce Schmitt added goals for the Bobcats (38-11-8) in the victory.

Anthony Iaquinto scored the lone goal for the Thunder (18-33-5) which were outshot 48-21 in the game and went 0 for 6 on the power play.

Iaquinto’s unassisted second period goal tied the game at one, but Bismarck scored the final three goals of the game.

The Bobcats outshot Albert Lea 18-3 in the final period.

The Thunder and Bismarck wrapped up the series Saturday in Bismarck, the results of which were not known as this edition went to press.

Albert Lea concludes the regular season Sunday at City Arena against Alexandria.