The shot totals told the story and highlighted Albert Lea Thunder goalie Nikifor Szczerba’s play in net in a frustrating 2-1 overtime loss to Owatonna Tuesday in Owatonna.

The Thunder (8-21-4) scored with 1 minute, 28 seconds remaining in the game to tie the game, but in overtime Dan Cecka scored on an assist from Jake Youso at 1:47. Youso scored in the second period on an assist from Cecka.

“You could tell we hadn’t played a game in a while,” said Albert Lea head coach Chuck Linkenheld.

The Thunder managed 23 shots on goal, but Szczerba turned away 37 Express shots to keep the game close.

Former Albert Lea High School player, Blake Adams saw the ice for the first time for the Thunder.

Albert Lea fell to 10 points behind North Iowa for fourth in the Central Division.

The Thunder play Marquette Friday at Saturday at the City Arena.

Owatonna 2, Albert Lea 1 OT

Albert Lea 0 0 1 0 — 1

Owatonna 0 1 0 1 — 2

First Period — None. Penalties—Brian McGinty, Owa (checking from behind), 5:18; Tim Smith, Owa (holding), 9:20; Nikifor Szczerba, Alb (delay of game), 18:02.

Second Period—1, Owatonna, Jake Youso 13 (Dan Cecka), 16:37. Penalties—Niko Kapetanovic, Alb (slashing), 7:16; Zach May, Alb (roughing), 18:33.

Third Period—2, Albert Lea, Anthony Iaquinto 7 (unassisted), 18:32. Penalties—Derek Docken, Alb (holding), 0:12; Chris Cass, Alb (cross checking), 5:52.

Overtime—3, Owatonna, Cecka 14 (Jake Youso), 1:47.

Shots on Goal—Albert Lea 7-6-10-0—23. Owatonna 17-12-7-3—39.

Power-play opportunities—Albert Lea 0 of 2; Owatonna 0 of 5.

Goalies—Albert Lea, Szczerba 0-0-2 (39 shots-37 saves). Owatonna, Matt Hemmingway 3-2-0 (23-22).

A—312. T—2:15.

Referee—Boone Bruggman. Linesmen—Brett Martin, Sam Shikowsky.