Unbeaten ZSC Lions Zurich will welcome a hungry Red Bull Salzburg side to Switzerland in a direct clash between the reigning Nationa League champions and the champions of the ICE Hockey League. Can Salzburg slay in-form Zurich?
- Zurich have won all three of their games this season
- Salzburg have a 2-1 W-L record
- Both have scored 11+ goals across the first three rounds
Champions Hockey League veterans Red Bull Salzburg have entered the new season in mixed form. Entering off the back of their ninth ICE championship - and third in a row - the Austrian club put up a proper fight against a very tough Skellefteå AIK side but ultimately ended the game with a loss.
They bounced back with two back-to-back wins against SønderjyskE Vojens and Unia Oświęcim, beating the Poles in overtime. With four five to their name, they are a mid-table runner at the moment.
Canadian import Dennis Eamon Robertson leads the team in scoring with five points (2G, 3A) while three more teammates are on over a point per game
"The flagship club of Austria with well-trained players. We are aware Salzburg will be a tough opponent!"Sven Leuenberger, ZSC Lions Zurich General Manager
Throughout their opening three games, the Austrians have been effective on the powerplay with a 26.32% effectivity (6.32% more than Zurich's) and have also been more successful on face-offs. Penalty kill has also been solid, with an 85% penalty kill efficiency. So why just the five points?
Mixed goaltending and mainly defending, traits of Salzburg's fast-paced playing style, have left them vulnerable in games. They'll need to tighten up when they skate out in the Swiss Life Arena!
Zurich's opening three games can be summarised as near-perfect. The Swiss champions are one of the only remaining teams in the competition that are unbeaten and haven't dropped a point.
They haven't had any crazy games but have been solid, predictable and consistent - right down to the final minutes of play. That last part is important, as their last game against the Straubing Tigers was decided by two late third-period goals, the game-winner being scored with under two minutes on the clock.
"Zurich are one of Europe’s best clubs, have a very deep roster, and collectively possess a high level of skill to play the game. What a great challenge to look forward to!"Oliver David, Red Bull Salzburg Head Coach
Šimon Hrubec has unsurprisingly been in net for all three games and has a spectacular 95.06 % save percentage to his name. Five players are over the point-per-game line with Sven Andrighetto and Vinzenz Rohrer leading the team in goals scored with two each.
Coming back to the game against Straubing on Friday, that was the first time we've really seen Zurich sweat in 2024/25 as the Swiss heavyweights were outshot and often outplayed by their visitors. If they are to keep their perfect record going, they'll have to pick up slightly as not to let Salzburg dictate play.
With CHL action taking a brief pause until October, don't miss this tasty Game Day 4 clash on Sunday, 15 September at 15:45 CEST!