Game recap
The visitors initially exerted more pressure and took the lead in the 5th minute, with Greg Di Tomaso scoring quickly from the slot. From then on, the game went back and forth, with both teams taking turns establishing themselves in the offensive zone. Michael Raffl was then freed up in front of the net, outwitted Pustertal goalie Edward Pasquale, and scored to equalize (11th minute). Bruneck quickly hit back, with Alexander Ierullo finding space on the power play and scoring from a tight angle (13th minute). The game continued on a close-running level. Atte Tolvanen, among other things, thwarted a great opportunity for the visitors on a 3-on-1 counterattack (18th minute). Mario Huber had a similar counterattack opportunity from a tight angle (20th minute), and shortly thereafter, the puck hit the post after a long-range shot by Connor Corcoran. After an exciting first 20 minutes, the visitors led 2-1.
The second period was characterized by numerous duels. Every inch of ice was at stake, and good chances had to be worked hard for. After opportunities from Connor Corcoran (30th minute), Dennis Robertson from a distance (34th minute), and Mario Huber from a tight angle (35th minute), it was Michael Raffl again who, after a short solo effort, beat Edward Pasquale and made it 2-2 with his first double for the Red Bulls (37th minute). Pustertal's goalie showed some uncertainty but denied Troy Bourke's great chance from the slot while shorthanded (38th minute). Before the break, Atte Tolvanen also saved a powerful cross pass directly in front of him to Raphael Andergassen while shorthanded (40th minute). The game remained exciting, with Salzburg having the more pressure in the end. 2-2 after 40 minutes.
