Game Summary
The home team opened the scoring in Feldkirch with a shot off the post by Cole Gallant (2nd minute). The Red Bulls then took control and quickly took the lead. Troy Bourke's shot deflected off a Feldkirch defenseman's skate and into the net (5th minute). The same forward then scored a one-timer from the slot to make it 2-0, securing his second brace of the season (11th minute). After a long spell of scoring, the Pioneers had a great chance, but Cole Gallant's breakaway was stopped by Salzburg goaltender Atte Tolvanen (12th minute). Shortly after a Salzburg power play ended, the Pioneers pulled one back when former Salzburg academy forward Oskar Maier finished off a 2-on-1 counterattack with a skillful hook (14th minute). This brought the home team's offense back into play, with Salzburg's goalie Atte Tolvanen making a crucial save against Ramon Schnetzer's excellent scoring chance on the rebound (18th minute). Salzburg's 2-1 lead after 20 minutes was well-deserved.
In the second period, the Red Bulls initially took control again, but Feldkirch – with Collin Adams – once more went on a breakaway (23rd minute), but his shot hit the crossbar. The Pioneers were now finding their rhythm and getting dangerously close to the Salzburg net. The game was end-to-end, with both teams creating opportunities, but the Pioneers were now applying more pressure. It wasn't until the 15th minute that Benjamin Nissner had another good chance, but Feldkirch's goalie Alex Caffi was alert to the shot from a sharp angle. After a power play for each team, the teams went into the second intermission, with the home team and the Red Bulls playing on equal terms at this point.
The final period continued in a balanced fashion. Both teams were pushing for the next goal, but initially allowed little in their own zone. During a Feldkirch power play (starting in the 50th minute), Atte Tolvanen made several good saves. After that, the Red Bulls generated more pressure in the offensive zone. But on their next power play, the Pioneers struck with six skaters. With three seconds remaining, Nathan Burke scored after a scramble in front of the net, forcing overtime (58th minute). The Red Bulls entered overtime shorthanded once again, and right at the end of regulation, the Pioneers put the puck in the back of the net. The Red Bulls thus lost 2-3 in overtime in Feldkirch, but at least they took a point from the game.
