ERC Ingolstadt held on to defeat Färjestad Karlstad 3-2 as the German club has secured six points in back-to-back wins to start their fourth Champions Hockey League appearance. Veterans Red Bull Salzburg, however, have yet to enter the win column as they dropped their Game Day 2 fixture against Adler Mannheim 3-2.

So far, the road hasn’t been kind to Salzburg as they've dropped both contests to begin their 2023/24 campaign, so maybe a home stand will help them get back to their winning ways. Generating more shots on net - Salzburg mustered 13 to Mannheim's 31 - will also be key for the Austrians who face the challenge of solving a stingy Ingolstadt defence that has only allowed 2.50 goals against per game.

For the Germans, having the start they did against Färjestad will go a long way to cementing their third victory in as many games. Wayne Simpson broke the deadlock early in a two-goal first that gave the hosts an edge they would not surrender. Their third tally in the second combined with solid defence were enough to spoil any bid the Swedish had on a win and it’ll be that same recipe that should lead to success against a struggling Salzburg.

Coming into this match-up, Ingolstadt have proven that they can defend in all situations but will look to improve their 16th-ranked powerplay, having only managed one goal on nine opportunities.