Game Summary
Villach started the game at their usual high tempo in their home arena, but their attacking efforts were quickly thwarted by the Red Bulls. Thomas Raffl made an early run through two defenders with a backhand shot (2nd minute). Salzburg then took control. Benjamin Nissner was on hand in the scramble in front of the net and made it 1-0 (6th minute). Then, Troy Bourke was sent forward by Mario Huber with an incredible pass across both blue lines, and the Canadian beat Villach's goalie Joe Cannata with a backhand shot into the near corner (10th minute). Four minutes later, Travis St. Denis fired a shot from near the goal line, surprising Villach's netminder – 3-0 (14th minute). The home team struggled with Salzburg's pace but created chances. A scramble in front of Salzburg's goalie Atte Tolvanen (10th minute) and a breakaway by Guss van Nes (16th minute) also provided opportunities. The Red Bulls' 3-0 lead after 20 minutes could have been even greater.
In the second period, Villach kept the game close, creating a back-and-forth affair, though the Red Bulls continued to apply more pressure. After a strong Villach pressure period in Salzburg's defensive zone, the home team finally scored on the power play, with Maximilian Rebernig converting the rebound right in front of Tolvanen (34th minute). Shortly afterward, Villach's Paul Sintschnig had a chance to pull one back on a breakaway (35th minute). Villach was back in the game, although the Red Bulls ultimately dominated possession again.
The final period was a completely even contest, with Villach significantly increasing the tempo. And once again on the power play, the home team did indeed get back within one, with John Hughes scoring from a sharp angle into the near post to make it 2-3 (45th minute). Villach continued to press, forcing Salzburg to do most of the defensive work. The Red Bulls remained calm and gradually rediscovered their rhythm. They extended their lead to two goals when Brandon Coe fired a backhand penalty shot under the crossbar (53rd minute). The game remained intense. Villach tried everything, with Atte Tolvanen putting in a tremendous effort in the final minutes, including two penalty kills. With 61 seconds remaining, Troy Bourke sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, securing a well-deserved 5-2 win in Villach.
