Red Bull Salzburg Dominates VSV in 5-2 Victory, Despite Late Rally
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Despite a spirited comeback attempt, the EC iDM Heat Pumps VSV fell to Red Bull Salzburg 5-2 on Thursday, marking a challenging night for the Villach-based team. The loss came after a hesitant start for VSV, particularly in the first 30 minutes, though they demonstrated resilience by scoring two goals in the latter half of the game.
Remembering a Fallen Eagle
The match, held at the Villach town hall, began with a poignant moment of silence honoring Jason Lafrenière, a recently deceased former VSV striker. This solemn tribute set the stage for a contest between two teams with contrasting standings: VSV in eleventh place and salzburg holding a strong third-place position.
Salzburg Takes Control in the First Period
Salzburg quickly asserted their dominance, opening the scoring after just 5:08 minutes. Thomas Raffl’s skillful drive and assist set up Nissner for the first goal, showcasing Salzburg’s offensive prowess. The Bulls continued to pressure VSV, with Bourke extending the lead to 2-0 in the tenth minute after a solo effort. Tensions flared midway through the period, resulting in altercations between players from both sides, including a duel between strong and Thaler, and clashes involving Maxa and Auer. St.Denis further solidified Salzburg’s lead with a goal from an acute angle, leaving VSV trailing 3-0 at the first break. Despite a partial breakaway opportunity for van Nes, set up by newcomer Budgell, the VSV forward was unable to convert.
VSV Fights Back, but Salzburg Maintains Lead
Villach emerged from the intermission with renewed energy, but Salzburg remained a formidable opponent. Despite increased offensive efforts from villach, including shots from Hutchison and MacPherson, Salzburg’s defense proved resilient. The second period saw a flurry of action,including a penalty to St. Denis for breaking Thomas Vallant’s stick, creating a power play opportunity for VSV. With 0:26 seconds remaining on the power play, rebernig scored, capitalizing on a rebound to narrow the gap to 3-1. paul Sintschnig nearly followed up with another goal, but Tolvanen’s strong stickhand save denied him. Salzburg regained control towards the end of the period, but VSV’s defense held firm, limiting dangerous opportunities. Hutchison received a penalty for excessive harshness,and the period concluded with VSV trailing 3-1.
Late Surge and Empty-Net Goal Seal Salzburg’s Victory
the final period began with Villach attempting to close the gap, but Salzburg responded with continued pressure. Nissner nearly extended Salzburg’s lead early in the period, but Cannata confidently parried the backhand shot. Villach capitalized on a power play opportunity just 13 seconds after it began, with John Hughes scoring a remarkable goal from a tight angle. This ignited a spark in the VSV offense, and they continued to press, forcing Salzburg to ice the puck. However,Salzburg regained the upper hand with a power play goal of their own,scored by Coe after a penalty called against Lindner. Seeking to further close the gap,Villach pulled their goalie,Cannata,for an extra attacker,but Salzburg exploited the empty net with a goal from nissner,sealing the 5-2 victory.
The final score reflected Salzburg’s efficiency and ability to capitalize on opportunities, while VSV faces a fast turnaround as they prepare to host Fehervar tomorrow, seeking to secure crucial points and rebound from this defeat.
EC iDM Heat Pumps VSV – EC Red Bull Salzburg 2:5 (0:3 | 1:0 | 1:2)
goal scorers VSV: Rebernig (PP1), Hughes (PP1)
RBS goalscorers: Nissner, Bourke, st. Denis, Coe (PS), Nissner (EN)
