In a meeting of two teams that won their openers, Red Bull Salzburg won a tight 3-2 battle against Pinguins Bremerhaven.

On Friday night, Salzburg scored their decisive goals in the last minute. This time, they got the offence going early, striking twice in the first six minutes.

First, it was Luca Christopher Auer on the rush from the right wing, firing a wrist shot that beat Kristers Gudļevskis to the far side less than three minutes in.

Less than three minutes later, Peter Schneider carried the puck into the Bremerhaven zone and fed Benjamin Nissner, who one-timed it in. Bremerhaven scored two quick ones as well – theirs came in the second period.

In the 35th minute, Žiga Jeglič was awarded the game’s first penalty shot when he was tripped by goaltender David Kickert trying to go around him. On the penalty shot, Jeglič beat Kickert over the glove.

Less than two minutes later, the game was tied and Jeglič orchestrated the equaliser too. On the powerplay, Jeglič carried the puck into the Salzburg zone and dished off to countryman Jan Urbas on the right wing. The Bremerhaven captain and Top Scorer beat Kickert with a long wrister inside the far post.

The third period was tight, but Salzburg got a chance when Phillip Bruggisser went off for holding with 12:19 remaining. On the ensuing powerplay, Lucas Thaler ripped a shot from the faceoff circle over Gudļevskis’ glove for the go-ahead goal.

With 7:32 to play, Travis St. Denis was awarded the game’s second penalty shot when he was hauled down from behind on a breakaway. With a chance to widen Salzburg’s lead, St. Denis tried to beat Gudļevskis blocker-side but was denied.

Still a one-goal game, the Pinguins had one last chance when Devante Stephens was called for tripping with 1:41 left. Playing 6-on-4, they had some looks but Salzburg held on.