A three-goal second period powered Central Division leader Bismarck past the Albert Lea Thunder 4-2 Friday in Bismarck.

The Thunder (10-24-5) held a 1-0 lead after Niko Kapetanovic’s first period goal but goals from Sean McKenzie, Nick Jensen and Jason Fabian gave the Bobcats (26-9-7) a 3-1 lead.

Anthony Iaquinto’s goal at 6:18 of the third cut the lead to 3-2 but Jensen struck again for the 4-2 final.

Albert Lea managed just 23 shots against Bismarck while the Bobcats tallied 31.

Bismarck 4, Albert Lea 2

Albert Lea 1 0 1 — 2

Bismarck 0 3 1 — 4

First Period—1, Albert Lea, Niko Kapetanovic (Bryan Mitchell, Brian Nehring), 13:33. Penalties—Stephen Obarzanek, Alb (too many men bench minor), 1:19; Dominic Panetta, Bis (hooking), 13:55.

Second Period—2, Bismarck, Sean McKenzie (Casey Kleisinger, Aaron Quick), 2:20. 3, Bismarck, Nick Jensen (Sam Rendle), 8:30 (pp.). 4, Bismarck, Jason Fabian (Jensen, Gavin Hartzog), 16:28. Penalties—Alex Niestrom, Alb (tripping), 6:23; Zach May, Alb (roughing), 7:20.

Third Period—5, Albert Lea, Anthony Iaquinto (Nehring), 6:18. 6, Bismarck, Jensen (Dan Weissenhofer), 18:06.

Shots on Goal—Albert Lea 8-6-9—23. Bismarck 15-9-7—31.

Power-play opportunities—Albert Lea 0 of 1; Bismarck 1 of 3.

Goalies—Albert Lea, Joe Rogers 8-13-2 (31 shots-27 saves). Bismarck, Jake Williams 4-0-0 (23-21).

T—1:10. A—1,267.

Referee—Zachary Blazic. Linesmen—Brady Johnson, Dana Penkivech.