Few would have seen this matchup coming in the Round of 16 when the groups were drawn. Few would also have predicted Red Bull Salzburg winning their group over SC Bern and Växjö Lakers.
But here we are, and what an opportunity both the Red Bulls and Rouen Dragons have to go one step further into the unchartered territory of Quarter-Finals in the Champions Hockey League.
The Red Bulls have been to this stage before, falling last season to the Lakers (after winning the home leg), and in the first CHL season to Luleå in dramatic fashion. They were the form team in the EBEL during last month, collecting 26 points in 10 games, and have moved themselves up into the top four with a decent cushion. LGT Top Scorer Brant Harris only has three goals, which shows that the Austrian side have shared them around during their opening six games and are able to get production from all over their roster. In nets Stephen Michael played the majority of their Group Stage games, averaging 91.26% of shots saved. The important thing to remember with Salzburg is to play a full 60 minutes - both Växjö and Bern went down to late goals in the Red Bulls' rink.
Rouen make their and France's Round of 16 debut after their stunning performance to beat the THOMAS SABO Ice Tigers home and away and get through. They sit top of the French league having not lost a game at the time of writing, and ultimately have nothing to lose against the EBEL runners-up. On the other hand, as Head Coach Fabrice Lhenry alluded to after the draw, they also have their best chance to go further by facing Salzburg. Nicolas Deschamps leads the team in goals, assists and points with 4+5 from the Group Stage; white at the other end goalie Matija Pintarič has played every game so far. With his 93.91% of shots saved, he was named to our 'Team of the Group Stage'.