Game Summary
The Red Bulls quickly took the initiative, but weren't quite in the game during an early power play (2nd minute). However, they then largely shifted the action to the offensive zone, initially without creating many clear-cut chances. Michael Raffl tried a backhand shot (7th minute), but Budapest's goalie Bence Balizs read the play. With a good power play (starting in the 11th minute), the home team became dangerous, and Salzburg's goalie David Kickert suddenly had a lot to do, including stopping Jussi Tammela's shot (11th minute). This put the Hungarians fully in the game, even though Florian Baltram had the next great opportunity alone at the right post with plenty of time (16th minute). Peter Schneider then scored shortly afterward from mid-range at full speed to make it 1-0 (17th minute). The Hungarians immediately responded, and Joose Antonen equalized with a wrist shot amidst a lot of traffic in front of the net (20th minute).
The opening minutes of the second period belonged to the home team, who came out of the locker room with great energy. The Red Bulls were forced onto the defensive and initially only managed sporadic attacks on the opposing net. From the 25th minute onward, with the teams playing 4-on-4 (staggered penalties), Salzburg was back in full force. Just as the Red Bulls were regaining control of the game, Gordon Green was set up in front of David Kickert and scored to give Hungary the lead (29th minute). The Red Bulls had good opportunities to equalize, as did the home team in the open game. In the final stages, the Red Bulls dominated possession, with only goaltender Bence Balizs preventing a potential equalizer. However, Andras Mihalik capitalized on a breakaway to extend Budapest's lead to 3-1 in the 40th minute.
After the intermission, the Red Bulls relentlessly attacked the opposing net. This finally paid off, with Lucas Thaler converting Philipp Wimmer's pass at the left post (47th minute). Salzburg continued to press, with Tyler Lewington having a chance alone in front of the goalie (49th minute). It wasn't until the 50th minute that the home team managed to break free from Salzburg's grip and create some attacking opportunities again. Peter Schneider had the next big chance with a one-timer in front of the net (54th minute), followed by Troy Bourke (55th minute). After that, it was all one-way traffic, with Salzburg playing with six skaters in the final two minutes. But they just couldn't find the equalizer, and with one second remaining, the Hungarians sealed the Red Bulls' 4-2 defeat with an empty-net goal.
