- Zurich boast a perfect 3-0 W-L record
- Salzburg have a 2-1 W-L record
- Both teams strong on the penalty kill
Red Bull Salzburg will head to Switzerland to face the National League champions ZSC Lions Zurich in their fourth game of the 2024/25 Champions Hockey League season. Both teams have had strong starts and are keen to continue their good form as they move deeper into the competition.
Home team Zurich have been outstanding, winning all three of their games in regulation and earning a maximum possible nine points. Alongside Fätrjestad Karlstad, they are one of only two teams with such a perfect record so far. Zurich boast a balanced team with both an effective offence and a solid defence, anchored by their star goaltender Šimon Hrubec, who has been in top form with a remarkable 95.06% save percentage. They’ve also been highly effective on the penalty kill. One area they could improve on, however, is their powerplay, as they’ve yet to fully capitalise on those opportunities.
Red Bull Salzburg have also enjoyed a solid start with two wins and a single loss. Their only defeat came on Game Day 1 in a close 4-3 battle against Skellefteå AIK. They rebounded with an impressive 6-2 win over SønderjyskE Vojens and followed that up with an overtime victory against Unia Oświęcim on the road. Like Zurich, Salzburg too have been strong on the penalty kill, successfully defending 17 out of 20 situations. With their consistent performances, Salzburg will be a tough opponent for the NL champions.
Players to watch include Zurich’s goaltender Šimon Hrubec, whose top play has been crucial to his side's success and Salzburg’s Dennis Eamon Robertson, who has contributed two goals and three assists so far this season.