Wolfsburg and Salzburg play off to finish behind Tappara as group winners, but both have to be mindful that Bystrica aren’t mathematically out of the race yet either. For the Grizzlys it’s simple – a regulation win and they’re through. The Red Bulls need to take a win back to the Mozart City next week to stay alive.

“We have the chance to reach the CHL playoffs again, therefore we need two points against a very tough opponent,” said Mark Voakes. “We are looking forward to the game against Salzburg but we know that we have to give our best performance.”

The Red Bulls did not have the start they were expecting in the EBEL but have lost only one of their last four games.

“Wolfsburg have a very good team, we played them as part of pre-season so we know that. But we’re good too, and when everyone plays the way they can, and everyone works together, then everything’s possible,” said head coach Greg Poss. Since his team has to win both games, is it pressure or a motivating factor? “It’s motivation. Now we’re focused on the game tomorrow and have to take it one shift at a time.”