Game recap
In the classic between the KAC and the Red Bulls (complete except for Benjamin Nissner), things got down to business straight away. Both teams set a high tempo and delivered the expected close fight. However, Klagenfurt were more dangerous when going for goal and took an early lead. Nick Petersen (5') picked up the disc in the neutral zone and overcame David Kickert in the Salzburg goal after a solo run to make it 1:0. The Red Bulls had opportunities, but were not compelling enough for Klagenfurt goalkeeper Sebastian Dahm. The KAC kept pushing forward and scored twice more before the first break. Marcel Witting (17') also showed a short solo with a shot into the corner of the net and Thomas Vallant (19') scored diagonally from the blue line, David Kickert had no chance because the shot was deflected by a defender.
After this setback, the Red Bulls showed more drive towards goal in the second period, but Nick Petersen had the next top chance after a solo effort following a defensive error (22'). Things got rougher, after a scuffle the Red Bulls had to spend three minutes short-handed, including 3 vs. 5. It was during this phase that Peter Schneider had the best chance up to that point after a solo run (27). Salzburg then struck in the ensuing 5-on-3 power play, with Ryan Murphy scoring from the slot (31). But the KAC kept at it and restored the 3-goal lead, Jan Mursak (35) had a free shot in front of the goal. After that, the game remained evenly poised until the second break and the home side led 4:1 after 40 minutes.
The Red Bulls continued to skate a lot and played for the next goal, but Klagenfurt scored again. Matt Fraser (46) converted the pass directly in front of the goal without any pressure. Whatever Salzburg did, the home side had an answer today and hardly conceded any more chances. And added three more goals with Paul Postma (53), Raphael Herburger (53) and Nikolaus Kraus (54). It was not the evening of the Red Bulls, who were ultimately beaten 1:8 in Klagenfurt.