HC Bolzano produced a hearty, penalty killing performance to overpower a misfiring Helsinki side and spark further hope of attaining Group Stage qualification.

IFK Helsinki were the sharper team out of the changing room, with Canadian defenceman Ryan O’Connor scoring after four minutes from just one of the five precise shots he directed towards Leyland Irving’s net in the first third.

The Foxes clawed their way back into the game after a slow start, finding their way onto the scoresheet via a bullet of a shot from Marco Insam. The Italians truly found their voices after Michael Blunden scored a further two goals, tipping the first before lifting the second over a sprawling Atte Engren.

Matters got worse for Helsinki, who were left leaderless after a check from behind penalty saw Captain Petrell out of the game. The home side wrapped up the game after killing a five-minute penalty when Brett Findlay scored his first ever Champions Hockey League goal.