Straubing fights for match point
Adler Mannheim crashes in Berlin
March 26, 2024, 10:20 p.m
Three of the four semi-finalists in the German Ice Hockey League have been determined: The Eisbären Berlin make everything clear early against the Adler Mannheim and move on to the next round. The Straubing Tigers, who take the lead in the series against Schwenningen, are also striving for this.
The Eisbären Berlin followed the Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven and defending champions Red Bull Munich into the playoff semi-finals of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). The capital city prevailed in a dramatic fifth duel between the heavyweights with the Adler Mannheim 3:2 (1:1, 1:0, 1:1) and won the best-of-seven series 4:1.
In front of 14,200 spectators in the sold-out arena at Berlin’s Ostbahnhof, Julian Melchiori after 59 seconds and Zachary Boychuk (31st) gave the hosts the lead twice. Matthias Plachta (18th) and John Gilmour (55th) struck back for the Adler. Berlin goalkeeper Jake Hildebrand made several strong saves. Shortly before the end, Boychuk (58th) shot the Eisbären into the semi-finals for the 17th time in the club’s history. Starting on Easter Monday, the Eisbären will face either the Straubing Tigers or the defending champions EHC Red Bull Munich.
For the Eagles, the season ends once again prematurely and disappointingly. The team, lavishly financed with SAP millions, which clearly fell short of expectations in the main round, has now been waiting for another championship title for five years. Mannheim last failed in the quarter-finals seven years ago. “That always breaks your heart,” Eagles coach Dallas Eakins told MagentaSport.
In the last ongoing quarter-final series, the Straubing Tigers fought for a match point. The Lower Bavarians defeated the Schwenninger Wild Wings in game five with 3:2 (1:0, 2:0, 0:2). The team led by DEL Player of the Year Nicolas Mattinen is now 3-2 ahead. The next game takes place on Thursday (7.30 p.m./MagentaSport) in Schwenningen. In Straubing, outgoing captain Sandro Schönberger scored the Tigers’ goals in his 700th DEL game (19th), JC Lipon (21st) and Cole Fonstad (31st). Zach Senyshyn (55th) and Alexander Karachun (58th) made it exciting again, but the Straubingers saved the victory over time.
Previously, Bremerhaven had beaten ERC Ingolstadt and Munich had beaten Grizzlys Wolfsburg 4-0 in quick succession.