Game Summary
In a clash of two very offensively minded teams, the Red Bulls dominated the opening minutes. A penalty kill disrupted their flow, and VSV promptly capitalized on the opportunity to take the lead. Elias Wallenta scored on the rebound off the pads of Salzburg goaltender Atte Tolvanen (8th minute). Shortly afterward, Villach's goalie Joe Cannata was fortunate when Travis St. Denis's puck slipped just centimeters past the post (9th minute). Salzburg remained the more dominant team at even strength, generating plenty of action in the offensive zone, while Villach continued to be dangerous with their fast breaks. Mario Huber had the best scoring chance on a shorthanded breakaway (14th minute). Even in the final stages, the Villach defense came under considerable pressure, with Joe Cannata making several crucial saves. After an intense first 20 minutes, the home team led 1-0.
Salzburg's Brandon Coe opened the second period with a wrist shot into the top corner (21st minute). The Red Bulls kept up the pressure, pushing for the equalizer, interrupted only by another penalty kill in which Atte Tolvanen made several outstanding saves. However, Villach suddenly scored on a counterattack, with Adam Helewka netting a one-timer on a pass from behind the net into the slot (29th minute). But the Red Bulls responded with two quick goals. Troy Bourke first redirected Benjamin Nissner's sharp pass in front of the net (36th minute), and two minutes later, Travis St. Denis scored from an extremely sharp angle over the prone goalie to tie the game at 2-2, a scoreline that Salzburg deserved after 40 minutes.
The final period was a back-and-forth affair. The Red Bulls again had the better start, but the game quickly became a hard-fought battle for the lead. And VSV succeeded, with Elias Wallenta scoring on a 2-on-1 counterattack with a powerful shot into the top corner (49th minute). After successfully defending a subsequent, very dangerous Villach power play, the Red Bulls pressed for the equalizer, increasing the tempo once again. In the 59th minute, Lucas Thaler indeed tied the game at 3-3 with a screened shot from mid-range, sending the game into overtime. Overtime proved to be a highly exciting addition to the match, with several top scoring chances for both teams. Connor Corcoran finally scored from distance on the power play, securing the extra point for the Red Bulls.
