Red Bull Salzburg were defeated in the final five seconds of OT as the Belfast Giants took the game 1-0. After trailing behind HC Bolzano, it was the Lahti Pelicans securing their second win with a 4-3 OT victory on Game Day 5.

The Austrians are currently on the outside of the Playoff picture and are unable to make much ground towards furthering their campaign. Consequently, they’ll be looking to potentially spoil Lahti’s chances of playing in November with a win over the Finnish squad.

Salzburg is a tale of two sides. On the defensive end of things, the eight-time Champions Hockey League qualifiers have been decent. Their 90.00% PK ranks sixth and their 2.40 goals against average is in the top ten in the league.

The Austrians’ offence, though, has been anything but spectacular. Currently, the team’s powerplay is ranked third-worst in the CHL at a 5.00% conversion rate. They also sport one of the lowest goals for per game averages with only 1.60. Generating and finishing on chances should be the focus heading into their Game Day 6 match-up.

For Lahti, scoring goals has been among their strongest suits this season as they’ve been able to average 3.50 goals for per game. The Finns have also produced one of the better powerplays in the league at 22.22%, tied for ninth-place with the Aalborg Pirates. This, in large part, is due to the offensive prowess of Ryan Lasch who has three goals and four assists for seven points and Aatu Jämsen who has two goals and five assists. Defenceman Kasper Puutio has had an impact on the blueline, as well, netting two and producing three assists through five games.

Sustaining contributions from up and down the line-up will be a key to Lahti’s success against a stingy Salzburg defence and increase their chances of gaining those all-important three points and a place in the Round of 16.