GB's Previews - Red Bull Salzburg
In this league, Salzburg stands out as a well-rounded team with one notable weakness. They boast the league’s best power play by a significant margin, operating at an impressive 34%, and lead in scoring efficiency with 12.94% (for context, that's not far behind the vaunted Oilers PP of last season in the NHL - Seb). However, their Achilles' heel is their penalty kill, which, despite their strong roster, ranks last in the league at just 73% (for context - that's bad lol - Seb). They mitigate this weakness by taking few minor penalties.
Salzburg's offensive lineup is both creative and highly efficient. Their top four players each average more than a point per game, a testament to their firepower. Leading the charge is Peter Schneider, a well-established name in the league with four seasons under his belt. Schneider has consistently averaged at least a point per game throughout his tenure—an outstanding achievement.
Troy Bourke is another standout, showcasing his speed and skill. With 20 points this season, he has proven to be a constant threat, although he has cooled off recently with just three points in his last five games.
Ryan Murphy deserves special mention as well. In 16 games, he has amassed an impressive 19 points, including a remarkable eight points in his last five games, accompanied by a +4 rating. His recent form makes him a player to watch closely.
Between the pipes, Salzburg’s goaltending situation is evenly split without a clear number-one choice. Atte Tolvanen has appeared in 11 games, posting a save percentage of 90.9%, which is solid but unremarkable (he is now reportedly applying for Austrian citizenship so he can be Team Austria's goalie. As many pointed out, he is nowhere near good enough to be Finland's! Also, yes - he is the brother of Eeli Tolvanen of the NHL's Seattle Kraken - Seb). He relies on his athleticism, though his average height limits his ability to fully dominate the net. David Kickert, on the other hand, has played 8 games with a save percentage of 87.9%, which is well below league standards. Kickert’s slightly taller frame helps him in the butterfly position, but his performances have been inconsistent. Personally, I hope to see him in goal on Friday (tee-hee - Seb).
To sum up, Salzburg plays an aggressive and fast-paced style, avoiding dump-ins and relying heavily on quick transitions. This approach aligns well with our counter-attacking strengths, providing us opportunities to exploit their weaknesses. However, it’s worth noting that Salzburg's participation in the Champions League has increased the workload on their key players, which could lead to fatigue late in games. On the flip side, they are performing exceptionally well, having already secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
Good luck, everyone!
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