Game Summary
In Innsbruck, both teams started off lively, though without initially creating any real scoring chances. The first clear opportunity fell to the home side, with Mathew Wilkins' shorthanded breakaway and subsequent rebound both saved by Salzburg's goaltender Atte Tolvanen (9th minute). Then the Red Bulls turned up the heat and laid siege to the Innsbruck net. Innsbruck's goalie, Matthew Vernon, managed to keep them at bay for a while, but he was powerless against Brandon Coe's shot from a sharp angle after a lot of movement in front of the net (14th minute). The Red Bulls continued to apply pressure and created more scoring opportunities. After 20 minutes, however, Salzburg's 1-0 lead remained intact, a scoreline that was entirely deserved.
In the second period, the Red Bulls dominated the game even more. Benjamin Nissner extended the lead to 2-0, receiving a perfectly weighted cross-ice pass from Peter Schneider under pressure (25th minute). Marcel Witting tried his luck on an Innsbruck counterattack from a sharp angle (30th minute), which seemed to spark the home team's offense into action. However, the Red Bulls regained control after just a few minutes, dominating possession in the offensive zone but failing to capitalize on their 23 shots. Their 2-0 lead after 40 minutes was well-deserved.
Innsbruck entered the final period unfazed and became truly dangerous, forcing Atte Tolvanen to make several impressive saves. Peter Hochkofler put an end to the scoring, netting a powerful shot from the half-high slot in his second game since returning two days prior to make it 3-0 (45th minute). During the Red Bulls' only penalty kill (starting in the 50th minute), Tolvanen earned his first shutout of the season, thwarting two or three good scoring chances. Mario Huber then beat Innsbruck's goalie right at the post, pushing the puck over the line to effectively seal the victory (55th minute). In the final minutes, Salzburg once again displayed great flair and ultimately celebrated a clear three points against the bottom-of-the-table team in Innsbruck.
