National player Leo Pföderl (right) gave the polar bears the lead in Nuremberg Photo: picture alliance / Eibner-Presse
From BZ/dpa
The Eisbären Berlin have gained some air in the relegation battle. On Sunday, the reigning champions won 2-0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0) at the Nuremberg Ice Tigers.
Goals from Leonhard Pföderl and Yannick Veilleux ensured the success of the capital city, who had previously lost five away games in a row. Since goalie Tobias Ancicka didn’t concede a goal, he was able to celebrate his first shutout of the current season.
In front of 7117 spectators in the Nuremberg Arena, the guests started enthusiastically and determined the opening third. Because they didn’t get a lot of clear chances against the compact defending hosts, the first break went without a goal.
After the restart, the Franks also did more for the offensive, so that the Berliners now had more space in the attacking zone. The capitals were able to use the liberties, Pföderl scored the lead.
After the polar bears had survived a double manpower situation, they were able to extend their lead ten seconds before the end of the period with a powerplay goal from Veilleux.
In the final section, thanks to a strong performance by goalkeeper Ancicka, the Berlin back team managed to achieve success with great commitment over time.