Two goals by Giovanni Fiore against Munich were not enough for the polar bears Photo: City Press GmbH
From BZ/dpa
The polar bears have continued their series of failures in the new year. On Monday evening, the champions lost to leaders EHC Red Bull Munich 2:3 (0:2, 2:1, 0:0) and thus conceded their fourth defeat in a row.
Giovanni Fiore scored both of the goals from the capital city, who ultimately remained without points despite a significant improvement in performance in the second period.
Eisbär Eric Mik (center) tries to keep Munich’s Frederik Tiffels away from the Berliner Tor Photo: City Press GmbH
In front of 9423 spectators in the arena at the Ostbahnhof, the hosts failed to start: after just 42 seconds, the former polar bear professional Austin Ortega scored for the Munich team. Even after that, the Berliners were again and again at a disadvantage against the guests, who were strong in running and puck-proof.
The championship leader was able to extend his lead: Jonathon Blum was still successful in the first third, Benjamin Street shortly after the first break.
But the Berliners found their way back into the game thanks to a double strike from Fiore: The Canadian scored in the hosts’ first power play and just 89 seconds later completed a remarkable solo run.
The polar bears were now pushing for an equalizer, but missed numerous clear chances to score in the final section, which was furious at times, and therefore had to leave the ice again as losers.