Game recap
In the first game of the season against the Red Bulls (with returning Nash Nienhuis), the hosts were still playing without former NHL star Nick Bonino. But they didn't need him either. At least in the first period, in which they took a not undeserved 1:0 lead. After an initial feeling-out period, the Slovenians became more pressing and created good chances in their first powerplay (from the 10th minute). A little later, Maris Bicevskis redirected a short pass at full stretch to score the goal (14th). After that, the Red Bulls also stepped up a bit and got dangerously close to the Slovenian goal. But not yet compelling enough for Olimpija goalkeeper Lukas Horak.
After the break, Salzburg pressed and shifted the game into the offensive zone. Peter Schneider had the chance in front of goal on a rebound (25'), followed shortly afterwards by Andrew Rowe (26'). Lucas Thaler finally netted freely from close range to give the Red Bulls a deserved equalizer (26'). Salzburg goalkeeper Atte Tolvanen stopped the first dangerous attack by the Slovenians in the second period by stopping Robert Sabolic right in front of him (29'). The Red Bulls then shot a lot in a very well organized powerplay, but were unable to take advantage. After that, the game was uneventful for a long time until the home side put the pressure on again during a powerplay, but were unable to do anything against the hard-working Salzburg defense including Atte Tolvanen. The teams went into the second break at 1:1, with the Red Bulls having more of the second period overall.
The third period was an intense neck-and-neck race. It went up and down, good chances were created in turn and not an inch of ice was given away. This also resulted in penalties, Thomas Raffl had a follow-up shot directly in front of the goalie in the power play after further opportunities (54'), shortly afterwards Luca Auer missed his chance in the goal area (55'). After a hectic final phase in which both goalies pulled out all the stops, the score remained 1:1 and extra time was needed. And it was a tough one. The Red Bulls sacrificially defended a 3:4 deficit against the Slovenians, who played really well, but managed to hold on and force a penalty shoot-out. There, the Slovenians, who scored their first two penalties, had the better cards, while the Red Bulls were unable to score. Salzburg lost 2:1, but at least took a point from Ljubljana.