Game Summary
The Innsbruck Sharks (without their top scorer Steven Owre) were the more active team at the start, but the Red Bulls, whose roster included defenseman Philipp Wimmer making his comeback and playing his first league game of the season, quickly adjusted and took an early lead. Connor Corcoran scored a classic power-play goal from the blue line, leaving Innsbruck's goalie Matthew Vernon with little view (5th minute). From that point on, the Red Bulls controlled the game. They displayed plenty of movement in the offensive zone, good combinations, and numerous good shots. Their dominance was only interrupted by one penalty kill – a second of which quickly turned into a 4-on-4 – during which Salzburg defended cleanly. David Kickert in the Salzburg net stopped the few Innsbruck shots in the first period and also thwarted the home team's best chance, a one-timer from Kilian Rappold (19th minute) right in front of the net. The Red Bulls deservedly led against an Innsbruck team that became more offensive towards the end of the game.
David Kickert was also on hand when Innsbruck's Max Coatta had a chance to score on a one-timer from close range during the power play after the restart (21st minute). The Red Bulls then took control of the game again, establishing themselves in the offensive zone for periods of time. Goaltender Matthew Vernon was difficult to beat, however, and Michael Raffl couldn't capitalize on his solo effort (27th minute). Innsbruck then became more dangerous offensively and created some scoring opportunities, but Peter Schneider skated into the slot after a face-off and buried the puck with a wrist shot to give the Red Bulls a 2-0 lead (33rd minute). In the remaining minutes, the Red Bulls really turned up the heat and gave the home team little room to breathe; a third goal was long overdue.
Brandon Coe finally got the third goal in the final period after a massively aggressive start, scoring with a wrist shot from mid-slot to make it 3-0 (43rd minute). Salzburg continued their attacking play, and Lucas Thaler underlined the Red Bulls' clear superiority at that point with a mid-range goal to make it 4-0 (45th minute). Innsbruck didn't let up and gradually gained more offensive possession, creating some good chances, but David Kickert remained composed and earned his second shutout with another series of excellent saves in the closing stages of the game. The Red Bulls ultimately secured a well-deserved 4-0 victory and take three points back from Innsbruck.
