Game Summary
The game in Salzburg began with few shots on goal, but already a good level of physicality in the battles for the puck. The Red Bulls gained more possession, and their scoring chances improved. Then Devante Stephens was perfectly set up in the slot, and the defenseman calmly slotted the puck past the visiting goalie, Edward Pasquale (7th minute). Barely back to full strength after their first penalty kill, Salzburg regained the initiative and pinned the visitors in their zone for a considerable period. They had some good shots, but the net was tight. In the final five minutes, the Puster Valley team pushed forward and seriously tested Salzburg's goalie, Atte Tolvanen, with two or three good opportunities. After 20 minutes of hard-fought play, the score was 1-0, and Salzburg's lead was well-deserved.
Early in the second period (22nd minute), the puck was in the Salzburg net, but the goal was disallowed for offside (via video review). With that, the Red Bulls kicked into high gear and created havoc in front of the visitors' net, with the puck crossing the crease several times. But Pustertal was now fully in the game, and the play became end-to-end with good scoring chances at both ends. The visitors' next goal, scored by Greg Di Tomaso from mid-range, was a true winner, the puck finding the top corner (29th minute). The momentum shifted back and forth, and the game was now completely even. Then the visitors took the lead, with Henry Bowlby scoring on the power play to make it 2-1 (37th minute). The response was immediate: Travis St. Denis skated into the slot and fired an unstoppable shot (38th minute). After 40 hard-fought minutes, the score was tied 2-2.
The final period continued in the same vein. Both teams created dangerous scoring opportunities. Connor Corcoran tried his luck on the power play with a powerful shot from the blue line (51st minute), and Nash Nienhuis fired from a sharp angle (51st minute). Then, a solo effort by Tommy Purdeller was stopped by Salzburg's defense, courtesy of Atte Tolvanen (52nd minute). The visitors then increased the pressure, and the Red Bulls struggled to clear the puck from their zone. Salzburg had another chance on a late power play but couldn't capitalize, sending the game to overtime. In overtime, the Red Bulls defended two consecutive penalty kills brilliantly but were then powerless against the 2-on-1 break. Tommy Purdeller scored on the ice, sealing the victory for the Puster Valley team (66th minute).
