An impressive effort, highlighted by a 29-save shutout by Matija Pintarič and two goals by Rolands Vigners, saw the Rouen Dragons defeat their Round of 16 rivals Red Bull Salzburg by a final decision of 3-0.

While shots on goal totals don’t typically tell the whole story of a hockey match, these numbers could certainly indicate just how difficult a contest would be to pull off a win.

Both clubs did well denying the other’s chance of finding any real estate in their offensive zones as neither side managed to manufacture much offence with Salzburg firing six shots on goal to Rouen's 3, leaving the score knotted at 0-0 after 20 minutes.

More of the same came in the middle frame as both sides did well clogging up the shooting lanes and getting in on the forecheck.

Later in the period, however, the ice opened up a bit when matching minors were handed out as the teams skated four-a-side. Defenceman Dylan Yeo had a quality chance after a tape-to-tape pass found him in the slot, but Atte Tolvanen stuck out the pad to deny him.

Then, with 3:02 remaining in the second period, the ice was finally broken when an Andrew Johnston shot made its way to David Gilbert, who deflected it past the Finnish netminder to draw first blood for Rouen and set up an interesting third period.

Down by a goal to start the final stanza, Salzburg didn't do themselves any favours when they committed their second infraction to give the French their first powerplay of the night. Fortunately, the visitors' PK came up large and kept the game in reach with 14 minutes to go in regulation.

Rouen would add to their lead at 52:18 of the contest when a shot ricocheted off a player in front and to the stick of a streaking Vigners, who deposited it into the cage for his first of the night and third of the tournament.

Salzburg's fifth-ranked powerplay was called upon a minute later with a chance to cut the deficit in half - but Rouen's PK managed to turn the disadvantage in their favour as Vigners netted his second after the Latvian picked the pocket of Salzburg's defence, made a backhand-forehand deke past Tolvanen, and tucked it in to give the French a 3-0 lead.

Salzburg tried desperately to find twine at least once, but Pintarič played as advertised and shut the door to give Rouen their third victory on home ice and the advantage heading into next week's affair.