Defending champions Eisbären Berlin and Red Bull Munich complete the semi-finals of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) playoffs. Berlin won the thriller in game six of the quarter-finals against the Straubing Tigers 6:5 (2:1, 3:2, 0:2, 1:0) after overtime, Munich used its first match puck at ERC Ingolstadt with a 7:3 (1:2, 3:1, 3:0) and also won the best-of-seven series 4:2.
The Eisbären will now face the main round winners Kölner Haie (4-0 against the Schwenninger Wild Wings) in the new edition of last year’s final. The four-time champions from Munich will face former champions Adler Mannheim (4-1 against Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven) in the semi-finals.
In an entertaining encounter, Marcel Brandt (17th) gave Straubing the lead, but Yannick Veilleux (18th) and Andreas Eder (20th) turned the game in favor of the hosts. Adam Smith (23rd) extended the lead before Nick Halloran (28th) and Adrian Klein (30th) equalized for the guests with a double strike.
Ty Ronning (37th) delighted the home fans with a strong individual action and then prepared Jonas Müller’s goal (40th). But the Tigers didn’t give up, Tim Fleischer (49th) and again Halloran (59th) equalized again, Markus Vikingstad (77th) made the decision.
In the new edition of the 2023 finals, Chris DeSousa (32nd) paved the way for Munich’s away win with his goal in the second third to make it 4-3. Tobias Rieder (48th) as well as Alberts Smits (55th) and again DeSousa (58th) each with an empty net goal ensured clear conditions in the final half.
“We stuck to our plan and made good goals from our chances,” said Munich coach Oliver David: “The fact that we are in the semi-finals is the result of a unified team performance.”
