Cheers for the next crime thriller
Overtime king shoots polar bears into the final
April 11, 2024, 6:24 a.m
It was another thriller, overtime again – and once again the Eisbären Berlin got the better end for themselves: the German ice hockey record champions are in the play-off final series for the 13th time.
When Ty Ronning made his way out of the cheering crowd, the Eisbären Berlin overtime expert immediately focused on the big goal. “The job is not done yet. We still have more work to do. It will be a great final,” said the American at MagentaSport after reaching the final. In the final series against the Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven it will be “the little things that matter”.
As in game two of the semi-final series against the Straubing Tigers, the third longest game in the history of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), Ronning also became the match winner in overtime in the fifth duel. This time the 26-year-old scored the much celebrated 3-2 winning goal in a thrilling game in the seventh minute of extra time.
Serge Aubin was correspondingly satisfied after the Eisbären made it to the final for the 13th time. The Eisbären coach said he was “very proud of the boys.” Frederik Tiffels expects an “extremely good team” from Bremerhaven in the final. “It will be a game of equals. The one who makes fewer mistakes will win,” he said.
The 13,192 spectators in the arena at Ostbahnhof saw some defensive uncertainty and good chances on both sides in the opening third, but no goals. That changed after the first break: Noebels put the home team in the lead with a power play goal. The Straubingers now increased the pressure and were able to equalize with a long-range shot from Philip Samuelsson.
Shortly after the start of the final period, the guests were able to celebrate again: Justin Scott successfully completed a counterattack. However, the capital team responded just 40 seconds later with Eder’s equalizer. Despite some good opportunities on both sides, no further goals were scored in regular time. Then Ronning decided the series.
The final series begins on April 17th. Bremerhaven enjoys home advantage as main round winners in the first, third and possible fifth and seventh games.