The EC Red Bull Salzburg had to surrender 1-2 to Overtime in the first test game of the new season against HC Košice in the first test game of the new season. Both teams already showed an appealing performance and were equal opponents.
With all new players in the team – only Ali Wukovits and Vadim Schreiner were missing due to injury – the Red Bulls went into the first friendly of the new season. Atte Tolvanen got the first order in the goal, but did not have to intervene for a long time. The Red Bulls played cheerfully, felt comfortable in the offensive zone and let the window run. From the 10th minute, the Slovaks were able to open the game a little, but the better options had the Salzburg. The guest goalie Patrik Jurcak also made a good game and so after 20 minutes it went to the cabins.
In the second section, the game became more intense, also because the guests pushed more into the offensive. In the more common up and down, the Red Bulls first pressed forward more clearly, the chances became better. Lucas Thaler failed after a good combination in the margin in front of the goal (24th). With their first power play, however, the technically experienced guests took the first tour (31st), Oleksandr Plokhotnik had an easy game in the margin. The Slovaks got the upper water and tried dangerously at two other overpowering games. And took the lead into the second break.
In the final third, the game was at eye level, and the duels were also bought. Thomas Raffl then achieved the equalization and skilfully falsified Nash Nienhuis’s blue liner in the power play (45.). After that, the game was really competitive, both teams alternately developed opportunities. From the 54th minute, the Red Bulls showed a strong pressure phase and were now unlucky with several good shots. After the very intensive final phase, we finally went into the extension, which the guests won with the goal from a short distance from David Kohut.
Statement Michael Raffl
“Now we were on the ice on the ice with five times in a row, nice that it finally starts. It was about getting something for ice hockey, getting used to the pace and finding the legs and the lungs. As a team, we were completely ok in the first third, then it went up and down. But that is quite normal in the first game, we can still improve anywhere.”
Ecrbsredbulls.com picture: Gintare Karpaviciute – EC Red Bull Salzburg
