Red Bull Salzburg made the long trip to Northern Ireland to face the Belfast Giants at The SSE Arena, Belfast for an engaging and crucial clash for points that could make or break each team's path towards the 2023/24 Champions Hockey League Playoffs. Both teams started the game with 3 points to their name and both emerge with an added advantage.

In the first period, both teams accumulated three penalties each, yet neither managed to capitalise on the extra space. This trend persisted into the second period, with both sides taking turns on the powerplay but failing to convert chances into goals.

The third period mirrored earlier events, with solid defending and goaltending on display. A prime opportunity for the first goal of the game emerged at 57:39, following a tripping call in favour of Salzburg. The away team, already on the powerplay, gained a two-man advantage that lasted almost a minute but were ultimately unable to produce the goods - a missed opportunity that would later come back to haunt them.

Both Belfast’s and Salzburg’s netminders proved to be in great form, as they cleared all shots heading their way to OT. Belfast's Preston and Tedesco capitalised on a turnover at centre ice off of Wukovits' stick that sent them rushing for the away team's goal. After a series of passes, Tedesco executed a backhand move, elevating the puck just beyond Tolvanen's glove to secure victory for his team and a prize of +2 points for their efforts.

With the result cemented, Belfast’s hopes of lining up in the Playoffs remain alive and healthy. On the other hand, the Austrians put up a praiseworthy fight but couldn’t seem to capitalise on the numerous powerplays that came their way.