It’s pretty clear the Albert Lea Thunder need a break in the schedule and the only thing between the Thunder and that break was the Owatonna Express.

A mentally and physically exhausted Thunder team played like it was ready for a break Saturday at the City Arena in a 6-2 loss to the Express.

“I think it will be good for all of us to go home and relax not only our bodies, but our minds,” said Albert Lea forward Niko Kapetanovic.

The Thunder barely filled out three lines and had two players fighting illnesses just to have enough bodies to play the game.

“I thought we showed a lot of guts and determination and under the circumstances. We kept working hard,” said Albert Lea head coach Chuck Linkenheld. “I thought they showed a lot of character.”

The Thunder (4-17-2) fell apart in the second period once again as Owatonna (12-5-1) took over the game with three goals — two of which came on the power play — to break a 2-2 tie.

Nick Widing, Brian McGinty and Pat Borer all notched goals to give the Express a 5-2 lead. Chris Bournazos finished with two goals and Chris Darnell scored in the first period.

“We still, defensively, did not play intelligent,” Linkenheld said. “Too many breakdowns in our own zone.”

A Thunder fan in the crowd waved a sign which said, “Rise above it” and early on it looked as though Albert Lea might indeed do that.

Stephen Obarzanek scored 2 minutes, 40 seconds into the game on a rebound from the right circle to give Thunder fans something to cheer about after a long week.

After Owatonna came back for two goals in the first period, Kapetanovic recorded third goal in as many games to tie the game at 2.

But as the game wore on the injuries and illnesses of the Thunder caught up. Albert Lea was without six players. To make matters worse starting goaltender Ben Waalkens, who dislocated his hip two weeks ago, was fighting a cold. He’s been forced to play because the team’s roster remains frozen until the league comes to a resolution on the alleged violations committed by the team’s ownership.

“To be honest I probably wouldn’t have played today, but I’m the only goalie that’s eligible to play that’s healthy enough,” Waalkens said.

The good news is the Thunder is off until Friday and all the issues involving the team’s ownership should be concluded by then.

Owatonna 6, Albert Lea 2

Owatonna 2 3 1 — 6

Albert Lea 1 1 0 — 2

First Period—1, Albert Lea, Stephen Obarzanek (unassisted), 2:40. 2, Owatonna, Chris Bournazos (Dylan Porter, Jake Youso), 6:00. 3, Owatonna, Chris Darnell (Cory Thorson, Zach Vierling), 15:57. Penalties—Niko Kapetanovic, Alb (holding), 11:34; Jake Suter, Owa (cross checking), 14:43; Nick Carson, Owa (tripping), 17:50.

Second Period—4, Albert Lea, Kapetanovic (unassisted), 8:23. 5, Nick Widing (Jacob Sloat, Pat Borer), 10:44 (pp.). 6, Brian McGinty (Ben Persian, Dan Cecka), 11:56. 7, Owatonna, Pat Borer (Thorson, Sloat), 16:10 (pp.). Penalties—Tommy Robaczewski, Alb (holding), 9:09; Bryan Mitchell, Alb (cross checking), 15:35.

Third Period—8, Owatonna, Chris Bournazos (Youso, Carson), 18:59. Penalties—Obarzanek, Alb (delay of game), 0:00.

Shots on Goal—Owatonna 10-15-9—34. Albert Lea 12-10-12—34.

Power-play opportunities—Owatonna 2 of 4; Albert Lea 0 of 2.

Goalies—Owatonna, Mike Shibrowski 11-2-1 (34 shots, 32 saves). Albert Lea, Ben Waalkens 1-8-0 (34 shots, 28 saves).

A— 400. T— 2:07.

Referee—Andrew Suhovic. Linesman—Dana Penkivech.