Game Report
The match began on an even keel, with both teams initially securing their own defensive zone and not conceding much despite the high intensity. That soon changed and the opportunities improved. Niki Kraus (9) broke through in front of goal and shot from an acute angle, Mario Huber (11) tried his luck from a turn. None of these posed a problem for Lahti goalkeeper Jasper Patrikainen. The home side had the same amount of chances in front of goal, Patrik Carlsson shot over Atte Tolvanen's goal in the slot (12'). The Finnish goalkeeper also thwarted the Pelicans' best chance up to that point when Antti Tyrväinen had plenty of time in front of him (18') but couldn't get a shot past from an acute angle. The first period was not short on toughness, however, and after 20 even minutes the teams went into the dressing rooms goalless.
In the second period, the Red Bulls dominated the first few minutes with a lot of pace and traffic in front of goal. Outnumbered, Mario Huber then shot Salzburg into the lead (26') after strong preparatory work by Andrew Rowe alone in front of goal. However, that seemed like a wake-up call for Lahti, who equalized just three minutes later through Lars Bryggman after a nice combination (28). But the Red Bulls kept up the intensity and continued to press. Thomas Raffl surprised everyone with an unstoppable shot from the left face-off circle (33'). The final minutes belonged to the home side, who got back on the offensive with a power play and were now on fire. Atte Tolvanen was on his toes, saved a deflected shot when outnumbered (37') and then saved a couple of other good concealed shots. After 40 intense minutes, the score remained level at 1:1.
Mario Huber started the final period with Salzburg's first chance, this time not getting through on a rebound (42'). At the other end, Elias Vilen had a good chance from the face-off circle in the power play (44'). Now it was back and forth with dangerous shots, with both opponents pulling away at every opportunity. Then Troy Bourke gave the Red Bulls the lead again with a backhand after a short solo run through the defense, the disc went through the goalie's pads (46'). Lahti stepped up the pace again, but the Red Bulls kept up the tempo and remained dangerous themselves. In the end, the Red Bulls deserved to win the game with a compact performance and will now take the one-goal lead to Salzburg.