EC Red Bull Salzburg slipped to their second defeat in as many days as Swedish champions HV71 withheld a late Salzburg comeback in the European Trophy.
The Red Bulls were determined to make up for yesterday's unnecessary defeat at the hands of the Malmö Redhawks and made a rocketing start to the sixth game of their European Trophy campaign. After 65 seconds Joël Champagne gave his team an early lead against Swedish champions HV71 Jönköping. But the champs responded swiftly and equalised in the sixth minute on a five-on-three power play. The game remained fast paced, and Salzburg had to fight hard for every opportunity against the on-form Swedes. But the Red Bulls were trying hard to gain the upper hand, remaining highly focused in defence and leaving their opponents very little opportunity.
GEPA Pictures/Red Bull Photofiles
In the second period the Swedes began to dominate, with the Red Bulls handed several penalties and forced into defensive mode. In the 28th minute the visitors scored a power play goal, having already enjoyed a five-on-three advantage. The Swedes continued to apply the pressure, and all Salzburg could do was react. HV71 scored a well earned goal in the 33rd minute, extending their lead to 3-1 by the end of the second period, in which the Swedes played some great set pieces.
But Salzburg were not prepared to leave it at that and turned up the heat at the start of the final period, poised to close the gap to their opponents. The Swedes gradually freed themselves from Salzburg's stranglehold, though, and with their fourth goal in the 49th minute the writing appeared to be on the wall. Salzburg's head coach Pierre Pagé put all his eggs in one basket, pulling goalie Dan LaCosta five minutes before the end of normal time. As a result, Danny Bois was able to score, followed shortly afterwards by Manuel Latusa, and suddenly Salzburg were only 3-4 down. The Red Bulls were unable to capitalise on another power play situation, handing a narrow but well deserved 4-3 victory to HV71.
GEPA Pictures/Red Bull Photofiles
Around 1,000 spectators were treated to an incredibly fast-paced game in which the Swedish champions delivered some almost perfect ice hockey. Salzburg captain Thomas Koch didn't mince his words: "They were in a different league today. We left too many gaps, incurred too many penalties and on occasion were simply too slow. They were technically outstanding and made every pass count. On the positive side, though, we were able to put them under real pressure towards the end and we almost turned the game on its head." There is a break tomorrow - and according to the captain the team is in desperate need of one after three European Trophy games in four days.
European Trophy results – Saturday August 21 2010
ZSC Lions 4-1 Malmö Redhawks
Tappara 0-3 TPS Turku
EC Red Bull Salzburg 3-4 HV71
SC Bern3-2 Frölunda Indians
Eisbären Berlin 4-2 Djurgårdens IF
Adler Mannheim 6-4 Färjestads BK
HIFK 7-3 Vålerenga IF
Sparta Praha 2-1 Linköpings HC
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